in Chemistry, a salt in appearance somewhat similar to crystals of alum, brought originally from from the East Indies in an impure state, and afterwards freed from its impurities by certain processes in the European countries. It was long a matter of uncertainty whether this salt be a natural or fictitious substance in those countries from whence it is brought; but it is now beyond a doubt, that it is naturally produced in the mountains of Thibet, from whence other parts of the eastern continent are supplied.

According to an account in the Philosophical Transactions, vol. lxxvii., by Mr Blane, it is produced in the kingdom of Jumlate, about 30 days journey north from Betowle, a small principality about 200 miles northeast of Lucknow. The place where it is found is said to be a small valley surrounded with snowy mountains, in which is a lake about six miles in circumference; the water of which is constantly so hot that the hand cannot bear it for any time. Around this lake the ground is perfectly barren, not producing even a blade of grass; and the earth is so full of a saline matter, that after falls of rain or snow it concretes in white flakes on the surface like the natron of Hindoostan. On the banks of this lake, in the winter season, when the falls of snow begin, the earth is formed into small reservoirs six inches high; when these are filled with snow, the hot water from the lake is thrown upon it; which, together with the water from the melted snow, remains in the reservoir, to be partly absorbed by the earth and partly evaporated by the sun; after which there remains at the bottom a cake of sometimes half an inch thick of crude borax, which is taken up and reserved for use. It can only be made in the winter season, because the falls of snow are indissolubly requisite, and also because the saline appearances upon the earth are strongest at that time. When once it has been made on any spot, it cannot be made again on the same spot till the snow has fallen and dissolved three or four times, when the saline efflorescence appears as before. See Chemistry and Mineralogy Index.