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ArchivesRe: question about an origin...not a name...(m)
in reply to a message by Zara
"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."
****** Sulfuric acid was a discovery of the Middle Ages, purported to have been made by alchemists. Prior to that, the strongest acid available was acetic acid -- or vinegar -- which, along with human urine, was used in the tanning and dying industries. Sulfuric acid replaced these, as it made a more effective solution in which to soak leather hides for softening in the tanning process.
The medieval alchemists produced sulfuric acid by combining "green vitriol" with silica -- hence the interchangeable use of the words "vitriolic acid" and "sulfuric acid". The word "vitriol" itself comes from the Latin word "vitreus", meaning "made of glass; having a glass-like appearance". This is because vitriolic acid is see-through, like glass.
-- Nanaea
****** Sulfuric acid was a discovery of the Middle Ages, purported to have been made by alchemists. Prior to that, the strongest acid available was acetic acid -- or vinegar -- which, along with human urine, was used in the tanning and dying industries. Sulfuric acid replaced these, as it made a more effective solution in which to soak leather hides for softening in the tanning process.
The medieval alchemists produced sulfuric acid by combining "green vitriol" with silica -- hence the interchangeable use of the words "vitriolic acid" and "sulfuric acid". The word "vitriol" itself comes from the Latin word "vitreus", meaning "made of glass; having a glass-like appearance". This is because vitriolic acid is see-through, like glass.
-- Nanaea
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