I wrote:

> >I'll give it a try. Can you tell me what it's called in Japanese?

Prophet of the Way replied:

> "Kasei so-da" -- i.e. NaOH, sodium hydroxide.  

Thanks!

> Quite dangerous stuff, if not handled properly.

Thanks for the warning; I'll be extra careful! 

-- 
John
http://rarebooksinjapan.com