118 MR. E. SCHUNCK ON THE ACTION OF 



of succinic acid derived from the usual source. The analysis 

 of the acid, and its silver salt, gave results which leave no 

 doubt of its perfect identity with succinic acid. 



0.2795 grm. of the crystallized acid, dried at 212° F. and 

 burnt with chromate of lead, gave 0.4175 grm. carbonic acid 

 and 0.1480 grm. water. 



These numbers correspond to the following composition : — 



Succinic Acid C^HgO^ 

 contains 



Carbon 40.73 40.67 



Hydrogen 5.88 5.08 



Oxygen 53.39 54.25 



100.00 100.00 



The silver salt was prepared by dissolving the acid in 

 water, then adding nitrate of silver, and neutralizing with 

 ammonia. The white granular precipitate which fell was 

 collected on a filter, washed with water, and dried in vacuo, 

 until its weight remained uniform ; after which it was sub- 

 mitted to analysis. 



0.6275 grm. of the salt burnt with chromate of lead gave 

 0.3400 grm. carbonic acid and 0.0890 grm. water. 

 0.2850 grm. gave 0.2410 grm. chloride of silver. 

 These numbers lead to the following composition : — 



Succinate of silver C^. Hg O3 -j-Ag O 

 contains 



Carbon 14.77 14.46 



Hydrogen 1.57 1.20 



Oxygen 16.29 14.46 



Oxide of silver 68.37 69.88 



100.00 100.00 



It will be seen that the composition, as determined by these 

 analyses, is only an approximation to what it should be by 

 calculation. Both analyses show an excess of carbon, and a 

 still greater of hydrogen, while the amount of oxide of silver 

 is deficient. Such discrepancies are almost unavoidable in the 

 analysis of substances, which like this are obtained in such 

 extremely minute quantities, and which it is consequently 



