salicylic acid

Judy Seigel (jseigel@panix.com)
Fri, 13 Jun 1997 02:05:09 -0400 (EDT)

Dear list,

A while ago we heard from some folks in the European heartland -- perhaps
Bas, perhaps Flesch (are you there still?) -- about using salicylic acid
as a preservative for fresh made gum arabic. I carefully made a note of
the proportions (2 grams to-----?) and carefully filed it. Need I mention
that the File Fairy has eaten it? (The reason I know is that despite my
most diligent search, I cannot find it.)

I have however purchased the salicylic acid, which I found required a
doctor's prescription at my local pharmacy, and was absurdly expensive --
$10 for one ounce. However, I'm trying to make SLOW gum Arabic.... As I
have mentioned, my slow gum is nearly used up. Since pH isn't the
operative variable, I thought it might be the preservative... I'll also
try thymol, but the salicylic acid was in the neighborhood.....

Anyone have that formula? Thanking you kindly in advance,

and cheers,

Judy