158 Experiments on the Oxides and Salts of Chrome. 



This property the chromate of potash possesses in a higher de- 

 gree than any other metallic salt, besides being still farther dis- 

 tinguished by its susceptibility of combination with an excess of 

 alkali, as well as of combination with bodies of very different 

 natures without losing said property. 



Professor Jacobson has submitted the following theory of 

 this process. He is of opinion, that the combustion above men- 

 tioned is not occasioned only by the decomposition of the chro- 

 mic acid by the carbon, but that it is the result likewise of the 

 decomposition of the alkali,, which is produced by the mutual 

 influence of the alkali and the chrome. 



Among other useful purposes to which this property may be 

 applied in medicine, may be mentioned the preparation of 

 moxas. Prepared with this salt, they burn without being 

 blown on, and their operation is rendered more certain. 



Professor Jacobson is likewise of opinion, that it may be ap- 

 plied to pyrotechnic purposes. 



The oxides of chrome in like manner possess this quality, 

 particularly when combined with alkali. Among the chromates, 

 of which they constitute the basis, are found some that possess 

 it, but none in so high a degree as the chromate of potash. 



Another important property which Professor Jacobson has 

 found to be possessed by the salt is this, that notwithstanding 

 its facility of reduction, it is susceptible of combination with 

 most animal and vegetable substances without undergoing de- 

 composition. This property, and the great affinity of the salt 

 for water,gby reason of which it is prevented from being im- 

 bibed by the organic substances, render the chromate of potash 

 highly important as a means of resisting fermentation and pu- 

 trefaction. Nor does it indeed only resist putrefaction, but also 

 checks it when already commenced, and removes the effluvia 

 thereby occasioned. It is, of consequence, a disinfecting agent. 



Of this highly important quality many uses may be made, as 

 well in medicine as in technology. 



To the anatomist and naturalist it is important, inasmuch 

 as in a weak solution of this salt one may preserve specimens in- 

 tended for experiment, or for preservation in the cabinet. 



The vegetation produced by fermentation and putrefaction, 

 called mildew, may likewise, as Professor Jacobson has ascer- 

 tained in his experiments, be prevented by means of this salt ; 



