Properties Determined by Constitution From the preceding hasty review of the soaps derived from the more common fats, as well as from a more careful study of the pure soaps derived from the individual fatty acids, we may trace a few relationships between soap properties and soap formulae. As we ascend in the fatty acid series from acetic to s t e a k , we find that the sodium salts possess no soap-like properties until we reach caproic acid, and that such properties do not become marked until we reach sodium caprate, CgH,gCOONa. The salts of the next four acids are typical soaps. The solubility of the soaps decreases as we pass from the laurate, through the myristate and palmitate, to the stearate, and for cold water washing the stearate is almost valueless. Sodium laurate and myristate give a profuse lather even in cold water, yet in the case of the laurate it is of very transient nature, while the less profuse lather of the palmitate and stearate is more lasting. All these soaps are white when pure, and are firmwhen possessing a water content of about 30%. The unsaturated soaps are very soft, very soluble, lather freely, although at high temperature the lather is transient, and are more or less subject to rancidity and discoloration. In a later paper it is planned to take up some of the theories of the chemical structure and colloidal behavior of soaps, as well as a discussion of a few soap specialties, and of the substances commonly added in the cmtcher. (Pert II d l appear in the December issuc)
A NEW ELEMENT-"WOMAN" Symbol-WO A member of the Human family. Occurrence: Can he found wherever man exists. Seldom occurs in the free or native state. Quality depends on the state in which i t is found. With the exception of Massachusetts state, the combined state is t o be preferred. Physical Properties: AU colors and sizes. Always appears in disguised condition. Surface of face seldom unprotected by coating of paint or film of powder (composition immaterial). Boils a t nothing, and may freeze a t any moment. However, it melts when properly treated. Very bitter if not used correctly. Chemical Properties: Extremely active. Possesses a great affinity for gold, silver, platinum, and precious stones of all kinds. Violent reaction when left alone by men. Ability t o absorb all sorts of expensive food a t any time. Undissolved by liquids, but activity is greatly increased when saturated with spirit solutions. Sometimes yields t o pressure. Tums green when placed next t o a better appearing sample. Ages very rapidly. Fresh variety has great magnetic attraction. NOW: Highly explosive and likely t o he dangerous in inexperienced hands-Voo
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