243 



solution. Ammonia was found in considerable quantities. 

 These substances exist along with the gases, and arc all 

 I have hitherto determined. 



Other experiments gave me much more hydrogen , and I 

 am prepared for a considerable variation in the amount of 

 the several gases. The nitrogen came to a minimum when- 

 ever the decomposition became slov/. This might be in- 

 terpreted in two ways— first, by the absence of air to 

 continue the process ; and second, by absence of the nitrogen 

 from the decomposed albuminoids. I do not see from my 

 experiments a sufficient proof of the elimination of nitrogen. 

 The amount was in a state of constant decrease, suggesting 

 a gradual removal of atmospheric air. 



I mentioned that by passing the gas through lead and 

 other metallic salts, only a small amount of organic matter 

 was collected ; but by passing it through caustic potash the 

 amount was considerable. A flocculent matter fell, but the 

 chief amount remained in solution. The solution was boiled 

 down, and, when heated, a perfectly fresh odour of soup 

 was spread through the room ; everything offensive had been 

 removed, and the smell was for the first time very agreeable, 

 Here we find that the substances sought for are decomposed 

 by the very means which we take to retain them. But in 

 this experiment we see a demonstration that substances of 

 an organic nature pass over with the gases. When strong 

 sulphuric acid was added to the potash solution there was an 

 abundant black precipitate of carbon and carbonaceous 

 matter. More than enough for an analysis had been made. 

 There was a fatty odour from it when sulphuric* acid was 

 added, leading me to think of Chevreul's remarks on a 

 similar occasion. 



As these compounds were not retained by acid salts, but by 

 alkalies, I concluded that they were acids ; but on allowing 

 some of the solution to stand for a few hours, I ^vas surprised 

 to find that the organic matter had almost disappeared. 



