OF ARTS AND SCIENCES. 341 



atmospheric oxygen to convert them into oxides and hy- 

 drochloric acid ; when they would unite to form silicate of 

 alumina. 



Dr. Hayes replied, that,. if such a supposition were for a mo- 

 ment entertained, the mixed chlorides could only form hy- 

 drochlorates under the conditions, and if the mixed metallic 

 bases were to be oxidized in union, a crystallized silicate of 

 alumina would result, while volcanic ashes under a micro- 

 scope are either scales with rough imbrications, or feathery 

 forms, such as we every day see in decomposing trachytes 

 and micaceous rocks, water being present. 



In reply to the President, Dr. Hayes added, that the chlo- 

 ridic sublimates are not true chlorides usually, but hydrated 

 compounds which do not form solid crystals, being transported 

 in a vesicular state by watery vapor, wiiich, with atmospheric 

 oxygen, is always present in the gases evolved during the 

 most active eruptions ; hence true chlorides, excepting com- 

 mon salt, are rarely found. 



Dr. A. A. Hayes made the following communication, " On 

 some Points of Chemical Interest, connected with the Manu- 

 facture of Ductile Iron by the new Process of H. Bessemer," 

 and exhibited some specimens. 



" In calling the attention of the Academy to a part of the process 

 for obtaining nearly pure ductile iron from crude products of the 

 iron-ore furnace, which has of late excited much interest among 

 those engaged in the iron manufacture, it is not ray intention to enter 

 upon the economical or technical part of the subject at this time. 

 It is well known that Mr. Bessemer has based his improvements on 

 the startling novelty of making crude iron nearly pure, without the 

 aid of fire from carbonaceous matter. In considering the ordinary 

 mode of refining crude iron, the final operations being performed on 

 crude pig, or on partially refined pig-iron, we have as one of the 

 conditions of success the application of an intense heat, and the 

 presence of more or less atmospheric oxygen, necessary to maintain 

 the required degree of fluidity in the mass of iron, and to burn out 

 the carbon and other impurities present. As the iron loses its car- 

 bon and other extraneous substances, it becomes less fusible, and 



