BARIUM. 63 



two results in the present calculation nearly compensate 

 each other, and, on account of their relatively high prob- 

 able errors, they exert but an unimportant influence upon 

 the general mean. 



In conclusion, we have tln'ee independent values for the 

 atomic weight of barium : 



From mol. \vt. of BaCl.^ Ba = 136.765, =h .031 



From ratio (5) " ^ 136.795- ± .364 



From ratio (6) " = 136.595. ± -309 



General mean " = 136.763,^ .031 



If = 16, then Ba = 137.007. In other words, the ratio 

 between oxygen and barium is almost an exact ratio between 

 two whole numbers. 



In the above discussion it will at once be noticed that the 

 second and third values for Ba have very high probable 

 errors, and that they therefore exert almost no influence 

 upon the general mean. This fact by no means renders 

 them worthless however, for, at the lowest estimate, they are 

 useful in confirmation of the better determinations. It is 

 also highly probable that the method of discussion, rigidly 

 carried out, does not do them absolute justice. 



