180 Scientific Intelligence. 



equivalent of metal, and four of oxygen, the new chloride will be compos- 

 ed of 28, or one equivalent of manganese, and 144, or four equivalents of 

 chlorine, and hence contains four times as much chlorine as the common 

 chloride. 



22. On the properties of Sulphur. — By M. J. Dumas, (Ibid.) M. Du- 

 mas, in verifying the well known fact that sulphur liquefied by a certain 

 heat is rendered more tenacious by an increase of temperature, has ascer- 

 tained the degree at which these changes take place. M. Dumas fixes the 

 point effusion of sulphur at 108° C. Between 110° C and 140° it posses- 

 ses the greatest degree of fluidity, and is of an amber colour. It begins 

 to thicken near 160° C and acquires a reddish tint ; and at the tempera- 

 tures between 220° and 250° C. it is so tenacious that the vessel may be 

 inverted without causing it to change its place. From 250° to its boiling 

 point it becomes liquid again, but never to the same extent as when at 

 120° C. 



It is also a familiar fact, that sulphur heated to a sufficient degree is ren- 

 dered tenacious and soft if suddenly cooled by being poured into cold wa- 

 ter. M. Dumas finds that the temperature required for this effect is 220° or 

 above it. If the temperature is below 170° C. when the sulphur is put 

 into cold water, it becomes brittle. 



23. On a new method of preparing the Deutoxide of Barium. By M. 

 QuESNEViLLE, Fils, (Ibid.) — The method proposed by M. Quesneville, 

 which appears to us a great improvement, is to introduce nitrate of baryta 

 into a luted retort of porcelain, to which a Welter's tube terminating un- 

 der an inverted jar full of water is attached. Heat is then gradually ap- 

 plied to the retort, and a red heat is continued as long as there is any dis- 

 engagement of nitrous gas or nitrogen. When these have ceased, and pure 

 oxygen passes over, which is a proof that all the nitrate is decomposed, 

 the process is discontinued. The peroxide of barium is then found in 

 the retort, the baryta and oxygen having united in their nascent state. 



III. NATURAL HISTORY. 



MINERALOGY. 



24. Brachytypous Lime-Haloide of Mohs. — Professor Stroraeyer has an- 

 alyzed the brachytypous lime-haloide of Mohs, and has found that the 

 following varieties of this species consist of 



No. 1. is a crystallized wine- yellow variety, from the Zitterthal in Salz- 

 burg. No. 2. a crystallized pale yellowish-brown variety, in chlorite slate, 

 from the Fassathal in Tyrol. No. 3. a granular straw-yellow variety, ac- 

 companied with bitterspar and talc, from St Gotthard mountain in Swit- 



