benzoline

& a. [Eng. benzol; -ine.] A. As substantive: 1. Chem .: A marine, an organic base obtained from hydro-benz amide by boiling it with aqueous potash. Insoluble in water, but di olves in alcohol, forming an alkaline solution which deposits small colourle prismatic crystals. It forms sparingly soluble salts. Its formula is C21H19Ng 2. Comm.: Benzine, a name given to any volatile inflammable liquid hydrocarbon which burns with a luminous flame, chiefly to the following:- (1) Coal - tar naphtha , consisting principally of benzene and its homologues. It is used for removing grease from fabrics and as a solvent. Our lady readers should, however, be warned that if they wash kid gloves in benzoline with the view of removing stains of grease, they must not afterwards put the gloves on their hands, and hold them to the fire to dry. If they do, the vapour of the benzoline will ignite the gloves, which will flame fiercely. Within the last few years at least three cases of most fearful injury have arisen in this precise manner, one of them with fatal results. (2) Petroleum spirit , consisting of heptane, C-H14, and other paraffins. It is used as a solvent and also to burn in lamps. These different liquids are often sold mixed together; their vapour is explosive when mixed with air. [PETROLEUM.] On the 2nd of October, 1874, at 4:55 a. m., a loud explosion was heard over all London and far into the country around. It was found that a barge called the Tilbury , proceeding along the Regent's Canal, freighted with about five tons of gunpowder, and carrving in addition a quantity of benzoline, had blown up, killing three men on board, destroying itself, demolishing a bridge over the canal, and damaging many houses. Investigation was held which showed that the vapour of the benzoline escaping was ignited by a fire or light in the cabin, and at once exploded the gunpowder. It is not now permi ible to carry gunpowder and benzoline together in the same boat. B. As adjective: Composed of benzoline; fed by benzoline, supplied with benzoline, in which benzoline is burnt.