Two new phases in anhydrous sodium palmitate have been demonstrated. On heating, the crystalline curd phase transforms not directly to liquid crystalline neat soap, as previously believed, but (near 125° C.) to “waxy soap.” At 195°, a softer “sub-neat” phase appears. The familiar phases, neat soap and isotropic liquid nigre do not appear until 255° and 297° respectively. All of these phases have a stable range of existence, the transitions being reversible on cooling. Photomicrographs of each phase, and a typical dilatometer curve with data illustrate the nature of t