And when I had tasted the water, I found that it did seem smooth and proper for our intent, as that there did be a verity of an alkali in it.

The narcotic principle of the first two, the alcoholic principle of the fourth, and the mucilage, nutriment, acid, and alkali of the rest, are in the way; for thirst would be quenched still better without them, even when it is of an unnatural kind.

When fermented, it furnishes the means of intoxication; and when the fibres are burned, their ashes supply an alkali for making soap.

Neither did I put any soda or other acid or alkali into my bread.

Before a truly passionate feeling can exist, something is necessary that is perhaps best expressed by a metaphor in chemistrynamely, the two persons must neutralise each other, like acid and alkali to a neutral salt.