Barilla

Description

1) An archaic name for Sodium carbonate. Barilla was a commercial product imported from Spain composed of impure sodium carbonate mixed with sodium sulfate. It was produced by burning saltwort plants (Salsola kali or Salsola soda). 2) A common name for saltwort plants (Salsola kali or Salsola soda) native to the Mediterranean region. The ashes from the burnt barilla plant contained an impure form of sodium carbonate that was used in glass making.

Synonyms and Related Terms

1: barrilla; sodium carbonate; carbonate of soda; silicar; blanquette; Varec

2: Salsola kali; Salsola soda

Resources and Citations

• Susan E. Schur, Conservation Terminology: A review of Past & Current Nomenclature of Materials, Technology and Conservation, Spring (p.34-39); Summer (p.35-38); Fall (p.25-36), 1985

• Random House, Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, Grammercy Book, New York, 1997

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998