180 Miscellaneous Intelligence. 



percussion compounds prepared in the metropolis. — Allg. Zeltung, 

 Dec. 1828. 



M. Liebeg finds that carbazotate of copper crystallizes in long 

 rhombic needles of an emerald green, colour. They are readily 

 soluble in water, and, losing water by exposure to air, they become 

 yellow. 



A concentrated solution of carbazotic acid is precipitated by 

 dilute nitric acid ; it possesses this property in common with urea. 

 The acid may be separated from the precipitate by washing with 

 water. — Hensman's Repertoire. Phil. Mag., N.S., vi. 145. 



14. Decomposition of Sulphates in Water by Organic Matters. — 

 M. Vogel has made some direct experiments on this subject, and 

 has found that a very weak solution of sulphate of soda, and a 

 saturated solution of sulphate of lime, mixed with sugar, gum 

 arabic, glycyrrhizine, or an infusion of woad, and preserved for a 

 long time in jars, away from the light, have been decomposed : sul- 

 phuretted hydrogen, carbonic acid, and acetic acid were formed ; the 

 waters had a strong odour of sulphuretted hydrogen, and, being 

 boiled, gave that substance mixed with carbonic acid. 



These observations may explain the formation of a great number 

 of hepatic mineral waters. M. Dumenil had already observed the 

 presence of acetic acid in some mineral waters, and the observation 

 has been confirmed by M. Vogel. — Ann. de Chimie, xl. 433. 



15. Instantaneous Light Apparatus. — Amongst the difFerent me- 

 thods invented in latter times for obtaining a light instantly, ought 

 certainly to be recorded that of Mr. Walker, chemist, Stockton-upon- 

 Tees. He supplies the purchaser with prepared matches, which are 

 put up in tin boxes, but are not liable to change in the atmosphere, 

 and also with a piece of fine glass-paper folded in two. Even a 

 strong blow will not inflame the matches, because of the softness 

 of the wood underneath, nor does rubbing upon wood or any com- 

 mon substance produce any effect except that of spoiling the match ; 

 but when one is pinched between the folds of the glass-paper, and 

 suddenly drawn out, it is instantly inflamed. Mr. Walker does not 

 make them for extensive sale, but only to supply the small demand 

 that can be made personally to him. 



16. On the Analysis of Borax, by M.' Gay Lussac. — At the same 

 time that M. Gay Lussac acknowledges that the process for the 

 analysis of borax, devised by M. Arfwedson, is very correct in its 

 results, still, guided by the opinion that it is always desirable to sup- 

 ply simple and exact processes for the use of the manufacturer, he 

 recommends another to notice, which, at the same time that it is 

 accurate in its indications, requires no more time than an alkalime- 

 trical process. It consists in ascertaining the quantity of sulphuric 

 acid necessary to neutralize exactly the soda contained in a given 



