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I noticed that some of the discussions/posts have been about origins of customs or usages. I have a question about the word vitriol. Maybe someone has the ready resources to find an answer for me. Vitriolic acid was a common word for sulfuric acid and vitriol is a pretty commonly used word still. I saw in the movie Jules and Jim that the female lead dumped a bottle of vitriolic acid down the drain in one scene. My question is what common use did people once have for sulfuric acid that it would become part of the common language. Jules and Jim was set in about 1900 or so. Any leads about this would be appreciated. One of those questions I have been wondering about for years. Thanks.