50 
As it seemed likely that the study of any one of these 
reactions would explain all the rest, the author began with 
the analysis of c and u, of which he had a larger supply 
than of the others. 
G is lemon yellow, transparent, soluble in water, insoluble 
in alcohol, crystallizing in square tables much resembling 
those of ferrocyanide of potassium. By exposure to a heat 
of 212°, it loses 13.5 per cent. water of crystallization, and 
becomes opaque. More strongly heated it is decomposed, 
giving off hydrocyanate of methylene, = c, H, cy or Me cy. 
The analysis corresponds with the formula 4k cy, 3 Fe cy, 
M cy, 8 Aq. 
H is white, very soluble in water and alcohol, crystallizing 
in square shining tables. It closely resembles sulphome- 
thylate of potash, but differs from it in being anhydrous, in 
containing cyanogen, and in yielding hydrocyanate of me- 
thylene when decomposed by heat. Its analysis agrees with 
the formula 6s 0,, 3k 0, MO, MCy. 
If 3 equivalents of ferrocyanide of potassium be supposed 
to act on 3 of sulphomethylate of potash there is the follow- 
ing equation: 
3 equiv. Ferrocyanide 3 equiv. Sulpkomethylate 
6 K cy, 3 Fe Cy + 6s0,3k0,8Mo= 
1 equiv. 1 equiv. H 
= 4kcy,3Fecy,MCcy + 6s0,,3K0, MO, MCy 
+20. i.e. 2 equiv. potash. In conformity with this ex- 
planation, the liquid in which 4 crystallizes is alkaline. 
If this explanation be admitted, it will of course apply, 
mutatis mutandis, to the salts a B,cp, EF. ‘The author, 
however, is not yet satisfied that the salts which he analyzed 
may not have been mixtures, perhaps in definite proportions. 
No doubt can be entertained that new salts have been 
formed, but the close resemblance between their properties 
and those of the salts which yield them, renders the task of 
purifying and analyzing them one of great difficulty. 
(To be continued.) 
