Analysis of the Ashes of the Orange-Tree, 271 



Moreover, it cannot be denied that our ideas concerning 

 the functions performed by compound radicals are very much 

 enlarged by these considerations. For when we find methyle 

 and ethyle combining like the electro-positive inorganic ele- 

 ments with the electro-negative non-metallic substances, the 

 property which they also exhibit of uniting with oxalic acid, 

 hyposulphuric acid, and with other, perhaps even neutral, 

 bodies to form conjugate compounds, evinces such an extensive 

 range of properties as is nowhere to be met with amongst the 

 more narrowly defined powers of combination of inorganic 

 substances ; and it is probable that nature, when she brings 

 forth the innumerable and manifold products of the organic 

 kingdom by a wonderful combination of those iew elements 

 which are at her disposal, may likewise make use of these sup- 

 posed extensive combining powers of the organic radicals, as 

 the simplest means of accomplishing her greatest works. 



We beg to express our warmest thanks to Dr. Lyon Play- 

 fair for the use of his laboratory and apparatus in carrying 

 out the above investigation, and for the uniform kindness 

 which we as his assistants have experienced at his hands. 



XLV. Analysis of the Ashes of the Orange-Tree (Citrus 

 aurantium). By Messrs. Thomas H. Rowney and Henry 

 How*. 



T^OR the materials used in the following analyses we are 

 indebted to the kindness of Mr. Da Cumara, who had 

 sent it over for investigation from his plantations on the 

 island of St. Michel, being desirous to become acquainted 

 with the mineral constituents of the orange-tree, which forms 

 the principal wealth of his country. The analyses were per- 

 formed under the direction of Dr. Hofmann in the laboratory 

 of the Royal College of Chemistry. 



To prepare the ashes in a fit state for analysis, the different 

 parts of the plant were heated in an inclined, open Hessian 

 crucible, until the carbon w"as consumedf. The ashes thus 

 obtained were mixed with a small quantity of oxide of mer- 

 cury and ignited a second time in a platinum capsule over a 

 spirit-lamp, in order to reproduce the sulphates, which in the 

 former process had been reduced to sulphides. 



* Communicated by the Chemical Society; having been read April 6, 

 1847. 



t To obtain the ash of the fruit, the oranges were cut into slices, and 

 after separation of the seed dried on the sand-bath in a covered porcelain 

 dish, and then burnt in a crucible. 



