The ancient Egyptians are said to have made great use of natron for the preservation of dead bodies, by macerating them in it for several months previously to their being embalmed. Large quantities of this salt are sometimes imported into England, by the East India Company’s ships, from China, and other parts of the East. It is employed in the manufacture of soap, and for the washing of linen. Glass─makers mix it with sand for the formation of glass. On the continent it is administered as a medicine in complaints of the bowels and liver. The ancients sometimes employed a mixture of natron for soaking their seed corn, under an impression, that, when afterwards committed to the earth, it would thereby be rendered more fertile. 202. _COMMON SALT, or MURIAT of SODA, though found in some countries in a solid and massive state, is for the most part an artificial preparation from sea─water, and from the water of salt lakes and brine springs. It consists of soda (200) in combination with muriatic acid (29)._ Few productions, either natural or artificial, are in so much request as common salt. It is used by the inhabitants of nearly all countries, for correcting the insipidity of food. When applied in small quantities, it accelerates the putrid fermentation; and, in this case, is considered to aid digestion, by promoting the decomposition of the aliments. In larger quantity it has a contrary effect, and tends to preserve organic substances from corruption. Salt is used for glazing the surface of coarse earthenware; and is employed in several processes of dyeing.