Rensselaer Union, Volume 3, Number 27, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 March 1871 — Lesson in Practical Chemistry. [ARTICLE]

Lesson in Practical Chemistry.

A venerable couple in Scott County, lowa, recently received a lesson in practical chemistry, by accident. The old lady took a drink of lye in mistake for vinegar, and, being uncertain whether her taste was perverted or she had got hold of the wrong Jug, she gave her husband a awig of the same to get the benefit of his opinion upon the subject. Presently their throats. and mouths began to burn, when they discovered that it was lye they had been drinking, and swallowed some oil to allay the pain. The oil combining with the lye formed soap, which stimulated the 'salivary glands to excessive action, causing a flow of foaming soap-suds from their mouths that was as alarming as it waa disagreeable. A physician, who happened to call while this process waa in full opera, tion, relieved them by the application of proper remedies, hut it was several weeka before they were able to enjoy their food •gain-