546 On a Property of the Hyperbola. 



units, consequently to more than 1 entire equivalent of hydro- 

 gen. That the equivalent a must be too high is not merely 

 evident from the objections which we have made respecting 

 the atomic weight of sulphur, but is also confirmed by the 

 following circumstances : — 



I. Without laying too great stress upon the reduction of 

 molybdic acid by hydrogen, we may nevertheless direct at- 

 tention to experiment II., this agreeing much better with the 

 numbers calculated according to the atomic weight b, than 

 according to a. 



II. The analyses of the trimolybdate of potash, the only 

 salt which can be obtained perfectly pure, agree much better 

 with the numbers calculated according to b, than with those 

 according to a. 



III. The most decided proof for the lower atomic weight 

 of molybdenum is derived from the results of the experiments 

 of fusing molybdic acid with carbonated alkalies. These 

 results agree with each other, and likewise with the atomic 

 weight b very well. The atomic weight deduced from these 

 experiments is founded upon that of carbon, which it may be 

 admitted is determined as accurately as possible in the pre- 

 sent state of chemistry. Even should a small uncertainty 

 exist with respect to this number, it would have very little 

 influence upon the atomic weight of molybdenum. We there- 

 fore consider ourselves justified in drawing the conclusion, 

 that the atomic weight of molybdenum is 575'829, and the 

 per-centage composition of molybdic acid 



Mo 65-714, 

 O 34 286. 



LXXVII. On a Property of the Hyperbola. 

 To the Editors of the Philosophical Magazine and Journal. 

 Gentlemen, 



THOUGH I am but an equation, and as such, more accus- 

 tomed to be solved than to solve, I cannot any longer 

 endure the injustice which is done to me with respect to the 

 curves I have the honour to control. Want of long suffering 

 cannot be imputed to me, or to any of my species; we even 

 carry the Christian maxim further than the Christian law re- 

 quires : for in what manner soever any one smites us on one 

 cheek, we not merely turn to him the other also, but insist 

 upon his treating it in the same manner, and cannot be satis- 

 fied until it is done. Coupled as we are with the very notion 

 of justice (for what do the scales represent but an equation be- 



