SACBUT, a musical instrument, of the wind kind, being a sort of trumpet, though different from the common trum pet both in form and size : it is fit to play a bass, and is contrived to be drawn out, or shortened, according to the tone re quired, whether grave or acute.
SACLACTfC acid. To this acid Four croy has given the name of mucous acid, because it is obtained from gum-arabic and other mucilaginous substances. This acid may be obtained by the following process : To one part of gum-arabic, or other mucilaginous substance, add two parts of nitric acid in a retort, and apply a gentle heat. There is at first disengag ed a little nitrous gas and carbonic acid gas, after which let the mixture cool. There is then precipitated a white pow der which is slightly acid. This powder is the saclactic acid. Thus obtained, sac lactic acid is a little gritty, and with a weak acid taste. It is readily decompose
ed by heat, and yields an acid liquor, which crystallizes by rest in the shape of needles It is partly sublimed in needles, or brown plates, with odour similar to that of benzoic acid Saclactic acid, in the state of powder. is not very soluble in wa ter. Cold water does not take up more than 200 or 300 parts of its weight : boil ing water does not take up above one half more. On cooling, the acid is deposited in brilliant scales, which become white in the air. The solution has an acid taste. It reddens the tincture of turnsole. Its specific gravity at the temperature of 59° is nearly the same as that of water. This acid enters into combination with earths, alkalies, and metallic oxides ; and the salts which it forms are known by the name of saccolates.