Naked Science Forum

On the Lighter Side => That CAN'T be true! => Topic started by: MissMontana on 03/02/2004 20:07:38

Title: Where does the saying "acid test" come from?
Post by: MissMontana on 03/02/2004 20:07:38

Can anyone tell me where the expression 'acid test' (and not the electric koolaid kind) comes from?

Title: Re: Where does the saying "acid test" come from?
Post by: Ylide on 03/02/2004 23:58:01

I found this on a website:  

In former days aquafortis, or nitric acid was used to test the genuineness of gold, which remains unaffected by the action of other acids, to assist in making valuations when buying or selling. The acid test - the name goes back to the Middle Ages - was accepted as definitive and, in its more general modern sense, still is.


The website is http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/gswithenbank/sayings.htm

it has a lot of interesting info.

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Title: Re: Where does the saying "acid test" come from?
Post by: Ylide on 03/02/2004 23:59:00

Oops, use this link:  http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/gswithenbank/sayindex.htm

The other one is just the phrases starting with A



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Title: Re: Where does the saying "acid test" come from?
Post by: MissMontana on 10/02/2004 19:26:50

Thanks for that, I'd been watching a TV show where they were testing for lime using hydrochloric acid and used the team 'acid test', made me wonder about it's origins

Title: Re: Where does the saying "acid test" come from?
Post by: MissMontana on 10/02/2004 20:16:41

really like that link

Title: Re: Where does the saying "acid test" come from?
Post by: Gneiss on 12/02/2004 09:03:27

MissMontana - The 'acid' or 'fizz test' is also a method used by geologists in the field to differentiate between limestone and other types of rock, usually sandstones.

One of the few things I did pick up from my geology days [:)]

Title: Re: Where does the saying "acid test" come from?
Post by: MayoFlyFarmer on 19/03/2004 02:50:16

speaking of "electric koolaide'.... anyone here read that book? I've been contemplating on whether it should be my next, but I'd love tro hear some opinions on it first.

Yar, the flies be everywhere!!!

Title: Re: Where does the saying "acid test" come from?
Post by: Ylide on 19/03/2004 08:30:21

It's good if you're hip to drug culture or are at least morbidly interested in it.  If you're a puritan or quaker or something, I'd shy away.  



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Title: Re: Where does the saying "acid test" come from?
Post by: gsmollin on 04/04/2004 06:22:44

No doubt, "cannabinoid" is hip to drug culture... or at least morbidly interested. Maybe I'll change my screen name to "Mr. Tambourine Man".

Title: Re: Where does the saying "acid test" come from?
Post by: MayoFlyFarmer on 04/04/2004 22:42:21

Old King Cole was a merry old soul.....    
.....he called for his pipe, and he called for his bowl, and I yelled back "Dude, I heard you the first time!"

This is a signature.... AND YOU WILL LIKE IT!!

Title: Re: Where does the saying "acid test" come from?
Post by: gsmollin on 04/04/2004 06:22:44

No doubt, "cannabinoid" is hip to drug culture... or at least morbidly interested. Maybe I'll change my screen name to "Mr. Tambourine Man".

Title: Re: Where does the saying "acid test" come from?
Post by: MayoFlyFarmer on 04/04/2004 22:42:21

Old King Cole was a merry old soul.....    
.....he called for his pipe, and he called for his bowl, and I yelled back "Dude, I heard you the first time!"

This is a signature.... AND YOU WILL LIKE IT!!