19 



This velocity of deconiposition at constant tenipcrnturo increases 

 as the reaction proceeds, passes througli a maximum, and falls 

 gradually to zero. 



The phenomenon is due to autocatalysis, and the catalyzing 

 agent is metallic silver. 



The reaction proceeds with great regularity and tlie curve of 

 reaction velocity comes very close to the curve of the equation 



r= ... Kt.2 which is the equation of the simplest case of auto- 

 catalysis. 



The influence of the purity and the method of ])reparation of 

 the silver oxide upon its decomposition is discussed. 



The temperature coefficient of the reaction velocity is deter- 

 mined. 



Evidence, both experimental and theoretical, is offered in favor 

 of a comprehensive theory of such catalytic action. 



