Special properties of formic acid. Individual properties of formic acid
Formic acid is a monobasic carboxylic acid registered as a food additive with the code E236 according to the international classification, which is used as a preservative. It is considered the first representative in a series of saturated monobasic carboxylic acids.
Chemical formula of HCOOH.
General characteristics of Formic acid
Formic acid is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid with a sour taste. The substance tends to dissolve in glycerin, benzene and acetone and mix with water and ethanol. Formic acid was named after it was isolated by the Englishman John Ray from a huge number of red forest ants (calorizator). Chemically produced as a by-product of synthesis. Natural suppliers of formic acid are needles, and excretions of bees and ants.
Useful properties of Formic acid
The main useful property of formic acid is slowing down the processes of decay and decay, respectively, increasing the shelf life and use of products. It is noticed that formic acid stimulates cell metabolism, is an irritant for nerve endings.
Harm E236
Food supplement E236 Formic acid can cause allergic reactions and serious disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in case of overdose. If formic acid in its pure form gets on the skin or mucous membranes, as a rule, a burn occurs, which must be treated as quickly as possible with a solution and immediately contact a medical institution for qualified help.
Contact with concentrated formic acid vapors may cause damage to the eyes and respiratory tract. Accidental ingestion of even dilute solutions causes severe necrotizing gastroenteritis.
The danger of formic acid depends on the concentration. According to the classification of the European Union, a concentration of up to 10% has an irritating effect, more than 10% - corrosive.
Application of E236
Food additive E236 is most often used as an antibacterial and preservative agent in the production of feed for livestock. In the food industry, the properties of E236 are used in confectionery, soft and alcoholic drinks, canned fish and meat. Formic acid is also used in the chemical industry, medicine and pharmaceuticals, in the production of woolen fabrics and leather tanning.
Use of E236 in Russia
On the territory of the Russian Federation, the use of the food additive E236 as a neutral preservative is allowed, subject to the standards established by the Sanitary Rules of the Russian Federation.
Formic acid can be attributed to saturated monobasic carboxylic acids. It appears as a colorless liquid that dissolves in substances such as acetone, benzene, glycerin, and toluene. Most often, formic is used as a dietary supplement and is registered as E236. Its name speaks for itself, and all because it was first obtained by an Englishman in 1670 by distillation from red ants.
Where is formic acid found?
A large amount of this acid can be found in the red body, which is why this substance is so common in nature. Formic acid is commonly used as an external pain reliever. It is also effectively used in the chemical industry as a solvent.
How to get formic acid the easy way
Artificial formic acid was first synthesized by the French scientist Joseph Gay-Lussac in the 19th century. However, this substance can be obtained in a simple way. First of all, you need to know that the basic formula of this acid is: HCOOH.
From this formula, it can be understood that the composition of formic acid includes formyls and salts, which are called "formates". If it is heated in sulfuric acid, it will begin to decompose into water and carbon monoxide.
This type of acid can be obtained in the production of acetic acid as a by-product. You can also get formic acid by the decomposition of glycerol esters contained in oxalic acid.
And, perhaps, the last way to get formic acid is as follows: methyl alcohol CH3OH is oxidized to the state of intermediate alkanediol CH2 (OH) 2, after which water H2O begins to be released. Due to this
Formic acid (structural formula - HCOOH) refers to organic (carboxylic) monobasic acids. In nature, it is found in some plants (nettles and conifers), as well as in the glands of individual insects (bees and ants). In almost pure form, the acid was isolated in the 17th century from the glands of Formica rufa ants. At present, the most common methods for obtaining formic acid are the decomposition of oxalic acid esters and the oxidation of methyl alcohol.
This substance is used in the food industry as an additive (code - E236), as well as medicine and many other areas of human activity. The compound tends to significantly slow down the processes of decay, which allows it to be used as a kind of preservative. The medical solution belongs to the clinical and pharmacological group of drugs with analgesic and irritating properties.
Composition and form of release
Pharmaceutical companies supply formic acid to pharmacy chains in the form of a 1.4% solution of the drug in ethyl alcohol. The liquid is packaged in dark glass bottles with a capacity of 50 or 100 ml. The acid is included in the Muravit therapeutic ointment and the Pervomur disinfectant.
Indications for the use of Formic acid
Indications for the use of this external agent are the following diseases and pathological conditions:
- myositis;
- joint pain;
- muscle pain;
- nonspecific arthritis (inflammatory lesions of one or more joints).
Ointment "Muravit" is also used as part of the complex therapy of fractures, bruises and hematomas (bruises). Clinical studies have shown that the drug is very effective in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities, fungal diseases of the skin and nails, as well as acne (acne). The ointment can be used as a remedy for acne, as it perfectly cleanses the skin.
- lumbago;
- gout;
- alopecia (baldness);
- pediculosis.
Instructions for use of Formic acid
Formic acid solution in ethanol is for external use only. It is applied to the skin and rubbed thoroughly.
Contraindications
An antiseptic, distracting, analgesic and disinfectant should not be used if the patient has an increased sensitivity to the active ingredient. The drug is contraindicated if eczema or dermatitis is diagnosed, or if there is damage to the skin at the site of the intended application.
Special Instructions for Use and Warnings
Avoid getting the drug inside, as well as on the mucous membranes (including the cornea of the eye) and on damaged skin.
Properties of Formic Acid
In modern medicine, such specific properties of Formic acid as local anesthetic, antiseptic, cleansing, anti-inflammatory and irritating (at a solution concentration of not more than 10%) are used. The chemical compound is often included in the composition of some disinfecting solutions.
When applied to the skin, this drug promotes the expansion of peripheral blood vessels. This improves microcirculation and tissue trophism. Under the action of the drug, local metabolism improves and the processes of biosynthesis and liberation of biologically active substances - neuropeptides and enkephalins - are stimulated. They, in turn, directly affect the degree of permeability of blood vessels and the severity of the pain syndrome. Formic acid is able to increase the release of kinins and histamine, which affect blood clotting and are responsible for some immunological reactions.
The compound does not have the ability to accumulate in the human body and is excreted rather quickly.
Side effects
With frequent use of the solution, hyperemia and peeling of the skin may appear, as well.
Saturated solutions of Formic acid (> 10%) are corrosive and upon contact with the skin cause a painful reaction and cause chemical burns. Accidental ingestion of a sufficiently concentrated substance inside leads to the defeat of the mucous membranes, as well as the deeper tissues of the stomach. The result of such exposure is a pronounced necrotic gastritis (an inflammatory process accompanied by necrosis of the tissues of the stomach).
Interaction with other drugs
Antagonism with drugs was not detected.
With the parallel use of other topical topical agents, new chemical compounds may be formed. Protein components of ointments and gels can be denatured.
Interaction of formic acid with alcohol
Formic acid and its formaldehyde are metabolites that are formed during the decomposition of methanol in the human body. These toxic compounds damage the optic nerve, resulting in complete loss of vision. In case of accidental ingestion of methanol into the body, I recommend taking a solution of ethyl alcohol to avoid the formation of formic acid under the action of the alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme. Thus, ethyl alcohol can be considered as a kind of antidote that prevents poisoning by this acid.
Overdose
A concentrated solution causes severe burns, so the area of \u200b\u200bthe skin on which it has come into contact should be immediately treated with a weak alkaline solution (sodium bicarbonate is used, i.e. baking soda). Vapors of the chemical compound can cause burns to the cornea of the eyes and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
The use of formic acid during pregnancy and lactation
Formic acid for the treatment of children
Storage conditions and shelf life
The medicinal product should be stored in a factory bottle with a tightly closed lid in a place shielded from sunlight.
The shelf life of Formic acid is 2 years from the date of issue.
Many substances that are now actively used by mankind in industry were obtained from natural resources. Over time, scientists learned to synthesize some of them artificially, which made the range of their application wider. Just such substances include formic acid, which was previously isolated from ants, plants and bee secretions, and now it is obtained in chemical laboratories. Let's try to understand in more detail what formic acid is, I will tell you about its properties, application, as well as the detailed composition, we will talk about how formic acid is treated, and how bees are treated with it.
Composition of formic acid
Formic acid is a colorless liquid that can dissolve in benzene, glycerin, and also in acetone. It does not have a characteristic odor. Such a substance is registered as a food additive under the formula E236. For medicinal purposes, formic acid is used in the form of an alcoholic solution with a concentration of 1.4%.
How is formic acid used? Application in various fields of human activity
Formic acid is widely used in medicine as an external anesthetic. In addition, it is used in agriculture for the preparation of various feeds. Hay, silage, etc. are treated with this substance, which helps to slow down decay and decay processes, so that feed can be stored much longer.
Formic acid is used in the chemical industry, in which case it most often plays the role of a solvent. In the textile industry, such a substance is intended for dyeing wool.
Also, such a product is used in the food industry - as a preservative.
Properties of formic acid
According to chemists, the action of formic acid is determined by its concentration. A safe product that has an irritating effect is considered to be a substance whose concentration does not exceed ten percent. At a higher concentration, this product has corrosive properties, and if it comes into contact with the skin, it can provoke painful sensations and even quite severe burns.
Concentrated vapors of formic acid can also pose a threat to a person, because their inhalation can cause damage to the respiratory tract, and vapors can also harm the eyes. And the ingestion of such a substance inside is fraught with the development of a severe form of necrotic gastroenteritis.
In addition, formic acid is able to be excreted from the body in a short time, without accumulation in it.
Formic acid treatment
Physicians use formic acid as an antiseptic, cleanser, and pain reliever. In certain cases, it can be used as a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory composition.
In general, formic acid is an external preparation with irritant and analgesic properties. Its application leads to the development of a distracting effect, as well as to improved tissue nutrition and to a noticeable dilation of blood vessels. The use of formic acid in the form of an alcoholic solution is advisable in the treatment of neuralgia, myositis, arthralgia, myalgia and nonspecific mono or polyarthritis.
Such a composition cannot be used if the patient has excessive sensitivity to its components, as well as if the skin is damaged in the areas of intended application.
In addition to the alcohol solution, formic acid can be used to create ointment preparations. Such funds are intended for the treatment of already listed diseases, as well as for the treatment of various injuries, including bruises, bruises or fractures. Ointments based on formic acid help with varicose veins, fungal diseases, acne, acne, etc.
Treatment of bees with formic acid
This substance is usually used to treat bees from varroz mites. For one treatment, it is recommended to use about one hundred milliliters of formic acid, whose concentration is 85%. Usually, the treatment is carried out at an air temperature of 14-25C, the best time for this is spring (after the mass flight of bees), as well as the summer-autumn period (shortly after honey is pumped out).
Place a lid for glass jars on top of the nest frame and fill it with formic acid in the right amount. You can use a small syringe for this. The hive should be covered with ceilings, then with burlap, and then with a roof. In those hives in which there are no ceilings, you can cover a container filled with formic acid, ordinary cardboard, canvas, and after burlap, then close the lid. It is important to carefully monitor that no more than ten to fifteen milliliters of formic acid per day evaporate per day. Otherwise, the bees are especially excited.
Barren layers, as well as bee colonies without brood, can be treated once. And in the presence of brood, processing of each bee family is required three times, with an interval between treatments of one week.
It should be borne in mind that the use of formic acid in concentrated form requires special care. If this substance gets on the skin, you should immediately wash it off with a significant amount of ordinary cold water, after which use soap and water.
With proper and careful use, formic acid can bring great benefits to a person.
Physical and thermodynamic properties
Under normal conditions, formic acid is a colorless liquid. Soluble in acetone, benzene, glycerin, toluene. Miscible with water, diethyl ether, ethanol.
| Vapor pressure | 120 (at 50°C) |
| Standard enthalpy of formation ΔH | −409.19 kJ/mol (l) (at 298 K) |
| Standard Gibbs energy of formation G | −346 kJ/mol (l) (at 298 K) |
| Standard entropy of education S | 128.95 J/mol K (l) (at 298 K) |
| Standard molar heat capacity C p | 98.74 J/mol K (l) (at 298 K) |
| Enthalpy of melting ΔH pl | 12.72 kJ/mol |
| Boiling enthalpy ΔH kip | 22.24 kJ/mol |
| Calorific value -ΔH° 298 (final substances CO 2 , H 2 O) | 254.58 kJ/mol |
| Number of moles of H 2 O per 1 mole of HCOOH | m, mol HCOOH per 1 kg H 2 O | -ΔH m , kJ/mol |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 55,51 | 0,83 |
| 2 | 27,75 | 0,87 |
| 3 | 18,50 | 0,79 |
| 4 | 13,88 | 0,71 |
| 5 | 11,10 | 0,67 |
| 6 | 9,25 | 0,62 |
| 8 | 6,94 | 0,58 |
| 10 | 5,55 | 0,56 |
| 15 | 3,70 | 0,55 |
| 20 | 2,78 | 0,55 |
| 30 | 1,85 | 0,56 |
| 40 | 1,39 | 0,57 |
| 50 | 1,11 | 0,60 |
| 75 | 0,740 | 0,65 |
| 100 | 0,555 | 0,66 |
| ∞ | 0,0000 | 0,71 |
Receipt
Safety
Formic acid is quickly processed and excreted by the body. However, formic acid and formaldehyde produced by methanol poisoning cause damage to the optic nerve and lead to blindness.
Chemical properties
HCOOH →(t) CO + H 2 O Formic acid reacts with an ammonia solution of silver oxide HCOOH + 2OH --> 2Ag + (NH4)2CO3 + 2NH3 + H2O Reaction of formic acid with sodium hydroxide. HCOOH + NaOH = HCOONa + H2OBeing in nature
In nature, formic acid is found in needles, nettles, fruits, caustic secretions of jellyfish, bees and ants. Formic acid was first isolated in 1670 by the English naturalist John Ray from red wood ants, which explains its name.
Formic acid is produced in large quantities as a by-product of the liquid-phase oxidation of butane and light gasoline fraction in the production of acetic acid. Formic acid is also obtained by hydrolysis of formamide (~35% of the total world production); the process consists of several stages: carbonylation of methanol, interaction of methyl formate with anhydrous NH 3 and subsequent hydrolysis of the formed formamide with 75% H 2 SO 4 . Sometimes direct hydrolysis of methyl formate is used (the reaction is carried out in excess water or in the presence of a tertiary amine), CO hydration in the presence of alkali (the acid is isolated from the salt by the action of H 2 SO 4), dehydrogenation of CH 3 OH in the vapor phase in the presence of catalysts containing Cu, and also Zr, Zn, Cr, Mn, Mg, etc. (the method has no industrial value).
Application
Laboratories use the decomposition of liquid formic acid under the action of hot concentrated sulfuric acid, or by passing formic acid over phosphorus oxide P 2 O 5, to obtain carbon monoxide. Reaction scheme:
HCOOH → (t, H 2 SO 4) H 2 O + CO
In medicine, it is used to prepare solutions of permic acid (“pervomur”, or the “C-4” formulation (a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and formic acid)). Pervomur is used in surgery as a preoperative antiseptic, in the pharmaceutical industry for equipment disinfection.
Formic acid derivatives
Salts and esters of formic acid are called formates.
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Excerpt characterizing Formic acid
- You go to the owners: they called you, - Boris added.Berg put on a clean frock coat, without a spot or a speck, fluffed up the temples in front of the mirror, as Alexander Pavlovich wore, and, convinced by Rostov's look that his frock coat had been noticed, with a pleasant smile he left the room.
- Oh, what a beast I am, however! - said Rostov, reading the letter.
- And what?
- Oh, what a pig I am, however, that I never wrote and so scared them. Oh, what a pig I am,” he repeated, suddenly blushing. - Well, send Gavrila for wine! Okay, enough! - he said…
In the letters of the relatives, there was also a letter of recommendation to Prince Bagration, which, on the advice of Anna Mikhailovna, the old countess got through her acquaintances and sent to her son, asking him to take it down for its intended purpose and use it.
- That's nonsense! I really need it, - said Rostov, throwing the letter under the table.
- Why did you leave it? Boris asked.
- What a letter of recommendation, the devil is in my letter!
- What the hell is in the letter? - Boris said, raising and reading the inscription. This letter is very important for you.
“I don’t need anything, and I’m not going to be an adjutant to anyone.
- From what? Boris asked.
- Lackey position!
“You are still the same dreamer, I see,” said Boris, shaking his head.
“And you are still a diplomat. Well, that's not the point ... Well, what are you? Rostov asked.
- Yes, as you can see. So far so good; but I confess that I would very much like to become adjutant, and not remain in the front.
- Why?
- Because, having already once gone through the career of military service, one should try to make, if possible, a brilliant career.
- Yes, that's how! - said Rostov, apparently thinking of something else.
He looked intently and inquiringly into the eyes of his friend, apparently in vain looking for a solution to some question.
Old Gavrilo brought wine.
- Shouldn't we send for Alfons Karlych now? Boris said. He will drink with you, but I can't.
- Go-go! Well, what is this nonsense? Rostov said with a contemptuous smile.
“He is a very, very good, honest and pleasant person,” said Boris.
Rostov once again looked intently into Boris's eyes and sighed. Berg returned, and over a bottle of wine, the conversation between the three officers brightened up. The guards told Rostov about their campaign, about how they were honored in Russia, Poland and abroad. They told about the words and deeds of their commander, the Grand Duke, anecdotes about his kindness and temper. Berg, as usual, was silent when the matter did not concern him personally, but on the occasion of anecdotes about the irascibility of the Grand Duke, he told with pleasure how in Galicia he managed to talk with the Grand Duke when he went around the regiments and was angry for the wrong movement. With a pleasant smile on his face, he told how the Grand Duke, very angry, rode up to him and shouted: “Arnauts!” (Arnauts - was the favorite saying of the Tsarevich when he was angry) and demanded a company commander.
“Believe me, count, I was not afraid of anything, because I knew that I was right. You know, Count, without boasting, I can say that I know the orders for the regiment by heart and I also know the charter, like our Father in heaven. Therefore, count, there are no omissions in my company. Here is my conscience and calm. I came. (Berg half stood up and imagined in his faces how he appeared with his hand to the visor. Indeed, it was difficult to portray in a face more respectful and self-satisfied.) Already he pushed me, as they say, push, push; pushed not on the stomach, but on death, as they say; and "Arnauts", and devils, and to Siberia, - said Berg, smiling shrewdly. - I know that I'm right, and therefore I am silent: isn't it, Count? "What, are you dumb, or what?" he screamed. I keep silent. What do you think, Count? The next day it was not even in the order: that's what it means not to get lost. So, count, - said Berg, lighting his pipe and blowing rings.
"Yes, that's nice," said Rostov, smiling.
But Boris, noticing that Rostov was going to laugh at Berg, artfully dismissed the conversation. He asked Rostov to tell how and where he received the wound. Rostov was pleased, and he began to tell, during the story he became more and more animated. He told them his Shengraben case in exactly the same way as those who took part in them usually tell about the battles, that is, the way they would like it to be, the way they heard from other storytellers, the way it was more beautiful to tell, but not at all. the way it was. Rostov was a truthful young man; he would never deliberately tell a lie. He began to tell with the intention of telling everything exactly as it happened, but imperceptibly, involuntarily and inevitably for himself, he turned into a lie. If he had told the truth to these listeners, who, like himself, had already heard stories of attacks many times and formed a definite idea of what an attack was, and expected exactly the same story - or they would not believe him, or, even worse, they would think that Rostov himself was to blame for the fact that what happened to him did not happen to him, which usually happens to the narrators of cavalry attacks. He could not tell them so simply that they all went at a trot, he fell off his horse, lost his arm and ran with all his might into the forest from the Frenchman. In addition, in order to tell everything as it happened, one had to make an effort on oneself to tell only what happened. Telling the truth is very difficult; and young people are rarely capable of it. They were waiting for a story about how he was on fire all over, not remembering himself, like a storm, he flew on a square; how he cut into him, chopped right and left; how the saber tasted the meat, and how he fell exhausted, and the like. And he told them all this.
In the middle of his story, while he was saying: “You cannot imagine what a strange feeling of fury you experience during an attack,” Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, whom Boris was waiting for, entered the room. Prince Andrei, who loved patronizing relations with young people, flattered by the fact that they turned to him for protection, and well disposed towards Boris, who knew how to please him the day before, wanted to fulfill the desire of the young man. Sent with papers from Kutuzov to the Tsarevich, he went to the young man, hoping to find him alone. Entering the room and seeing an army hussar telling military adventures (a sort of people whom Prince Andrei could not stand), he smiled affectionately at Boris, grimaced, narrowed his eyes at Rostov, and bowing slightly, wearily and lazily sat down on the sofa. He hated to be in bad company. Rostov flared up, realizing this. But it was all the same to him: it was a stranger. But, looking at Boris, he saw that he, too, seemed ashamed of the army hussar. Despite the unpleasant, mocking tone of Prince Andrei, despite the general contempt that Rostov, from his army combat point of view, had for all these staff adjutants, to whom the newcomer was obviously included, Rostov felt embarrassed, blushed and fell silent. Boris asked what was the news at the headquarters, and what, without indiscretion, was heard about our assumptions?
“Probably, they will go ahead,” Bolkonsky answered, apparently not wanting to talk more in front of strangers.
Berg took the opportunity to ask with particular courtesy whether they would now issue, as was heard, double the fodder allowance to army company commanders? To this, Prince Andrei replied with a smile that he could not judge such important state orders, and Berg laughed joyfully.
“About your case,” Prince Andrei turned again to Boris, “we will talk later, and he looked back at Rostov. - You come to me after the show, we will do everything that will be possible.
And, glancing around the room, he turned to Rostov, whom he did not deign to notice the position of childish irresistible embarrassment, turning into bitterness, and said:
- You seem to be talking about the Shengraben case? You were there?
“I was there,” Rostov said with anger, as if by this he wanted to offend the adjutant.
Bolkonsky noticed the state of the hussar, and it seemed funny to him. He smiled slightly contemptuously.
- Yes! Lots of stories about this stuff!
“Yes, stories,” Rostov spoke loudly, looking at Boris and then Bolkonsky with furious eyes, “yes, there are many stories, but our stories are the stories of those who were in the very fire of the enemy, our stories have weight, and not stories of those staff thugs who receive awards without doing anything.
“Which do you suppose I belong to?” - calmly and especially pleasantly smiling, said Prince Andrei.
A strange feeling of anger and at the same time respect for the calmness of this figure was united at that time in the soul of Rostov.
“I’m not talking about you,” he said, “I don’t know you and, I confess, I don’t want to know. I'm talking about staff in general.
“And I’ll tell you what,” Prince Andrei interrupted him with calm authority in his voice. - You want to insult me, and I am ready to agree with you that this is very easy to do if you do not have sufficient respect for yourself; but you will agree that both the time and place are very badly chosen for this. One of these days we will all have to be in a big, more serious duel, and besides, Drubetskaya, who says that he is your old friend, is not at all to blame for the fact that my physiognomy had the misfortune not to please you. However,” he said, getting up, “you know my name and you know where to find me; but do not forget,” he added, “that I do not consider myself or you offended at all, and my advice, as a man older than you, is to leave this matter without consequences. So on Friday, after the show, I'm waiting for you, Drubetskoy; goodbye, ”concluded Prince Andrei and went out, bowing to both.
Rostov remembered what he had to answer only when he had already left. And he was even more angry because he forgot to say it. Rostov immediately ordered his horse to be brought in and, after taking a dry farewell to Boris, rode off to his place. Should he go to the head quarters tomorrow and call in this fractious adjutant, or, in fact, leave the matter as it is? was a question that tormented him all the way. Now he thought with malice about how pleased he would be to see the fright of this small, weak and proud little man under his pistol, then he felt with surprise that of all the people he knew, he would not want so much to have his friend like this adjutant he hated.
On the next day of Boris' meeting with Rostov, there was a review of the Austrian and Russian troops, both fresh, who had come from Russia, and those who had returned from the campaign with Kutuzov. Both emperors, the Russian with the heir to the Tsarevich and the Austrian with the Archduke, made this review of the allied 80,000th army.
From early morning, smartly cleaned and cleaned troops began to move, lining up on the field in front of the fortress. Then thousands of feet and bayonets with fluttering banners moved and, at the command of the officers, stopped, turned around and formed up at intervals, bypassing other similar masses of infantry in different uniforms; then with measured stomp and rattling sounded elegant cavalry in blue, red, green embroidered uniforms with embroidered musicians in front, on black, red, gray horses; then, stretching out with its copper sound of trembling on carriages, cleaned, shiny cannons and with its own smell of overcoats, artillery crawled between the infantry and cavalry and was placed in designated places. Not only generals in full full dress uniform, with impossibly thick and thin waists and reddened, propped up collars, necks, in scarves and all orders; not only pomaded, dressed-up officers, but every soldier, with a fresh, washed and shaved face and cleaned up to the last possible shine with ammunition, each horse, groomed so that, like satin, its wool shone on it and hair to hair lay wetted mane, - everyone felt that something serious, significant and solemn was happening. Each general and soldier felt their insignificance, conscious of themselves as a grain of sand in this sea of people, and together they felt their power, conscious of being part of this huge whole.
