224 Miscellaneous Intelligence. 



The following experiments on this subject are by MM. Yelin 

 and Fuchs. The first column contains the quantity of absolute 

 alcohol per cent, in that which was experimented with, and the 

 second the boiling point in degrees of Reaumer's scale. 



0.94 . . . C0.r;8 



0.95 . . 60.59 



0.96 . . . 60.54 



0.97 . . . 60.48 



0.98 . . . 60.48 



0.99 . . . 60 52 



1.00 . . 60.62 



From which it appears that alcohol containing 2 or 2J per cent, of 

 water evaporates more readily than anhydrous alcohol, is, therefore, 

 more volatile and more readily distilled. In another set of experi- 

 ments alcohol of 98J per cent, was distilled at a moderate tempe- 

 rature, and the products received in eight successive portions ; the 

 following are the specific gravities of these portions. 



1 . . . 0.7972 or 97.86 per cent, alcohol. 



2 . . . 0.7970 



3 . . . 0.7969 



4 . . . 0.7966 



5 . . . 0.7965 



6 . . . 0.7964 



7 . . . 0.7962 



8 . . . 0.7959 or 98.32 per cent, alcohol, 

 so that after the strength of 97 per cent, is obtained, the weaker 

 alcohol passes first, the stronger remains in the retort ; the vola- 

 tility of the alcohol is not, therefore, in direct proportion to its anhy- 

 drous state or to its lightness. — Bull. Univ. A. x. 81. 



It appears, however, that none of the alcohol in the latter expe- 

 riments was so strong as that put into the retort at the commence- 

 ment of the experiments, consequently alcohol stronger than any 

 of the products must have escaped. If this loss was due to ineffi- 

 cient condensation, then some of the other effects may have been 

 influenced in the same way, and consequently the above results be 

 more or less incorrect, — Ed. 



44. Concentration of Alcohol by Animal Membrane. — A memoir 

 was published some time since by M. Soemmering, on the evaporation 

 of the water in diluted alcohol through a bladder, and the conse- 

 quent concentration of the spirit. A second memoir by the same 

 jjcrson has been published, in which the effects are more fully 

 detailed, and especially when the alcohol is in contact with the 

 bladder. 



To strengthen alcohol or render it anhydrous, a bladder capable of 

 holding 16 ounces is to be nearly filled with alcohol of specific 

 gravity 0.85; it is then to be well closed, and suspended over a 

 sand bath or before a heated stove, at an inch or more of distance ; 

 ;n the course of a few days the alcohol will be diminished one- 



