[science2000]

If you dissolved ashes, in water or vinegar, would there be alot of contaminants in the solution? What other salts are present in ashes? Also, little unsure why there's so much potassium in wood to begin with. Appreciate any knowledge.

[billnotgatez]

The list of URLs below are from one site that has lots of interesting things about history of chemistry of everyday things like soap. The last in the list is about soap and the relationship to potash. You may want to peruse the whole site to pick out what you can about a lot of interesting points in chemistry history.

http://cavemanchemistry.com/
http://cavemanchemistry.com/ch104.html
http://cavemanchemistry.com/lectures.html
http://cavemanchemistry.com/cavebook/chsoap.html