230 ‘AN ANALYSIS 
which it is exerted ; and if the reverse of cohesion, that is, the ; 
power of a solvent, operates in establishing the reverse combi- | 
-nations, as, in considering the agency of alcohol in this analysis, 
there has appeared sufficient reason to conclude, then it will 
follow, that, as in a concentrated medium, the least soluble 
compounds are formed, so in a dilute medium, the more so- 
luble compounds will be established. The power of the sol- 
vent is exerted with greatest effect on those which are most 
soluble ; and hence, if the reverse combinations even existed, 
this power must change them, and establish the others, pre- 
cisely as the power of cohesion acts with most energy on those 
which are least soluble, and thus causes their formation, when 
it is brought to act with sufficient force. Hence will follow 
the simple rule by which the state of combination may be de- 
termined; that, in any fluid containing the elements of com- 
pound salts, the binary compounds existing in it will be those 
which are most soluble in that fluid ; and the reverse combina- 
tions will only be established by its concentration favouring 
the influence of cohesion. Thus, if we concentrate a solution 
containing sulphuric and muriatic acids, soda and lime, we 
know, that from the influence of cohesion, the binary combi- 
nations will be those of sulphuric acid with lime, and of muri- 
atic acid with soda. And on the same principle, we may in- 
fer, that in a dilute solution containing these elements, the 
combinations will, from the influence of the power the reverse 
of cohesion, that of the solvent action of the liquid, be those 
of sulphuric acid with soda, and muriatic acid with lime. In 
a concentrated solution, containing muriatic and sulphuric 
acids, soda and magnesia, sulphate of magnesia and muriate of 
soda are formed ; and, on the same principle, in a dilute solu- 
tion, there must exist sulphate of soda and muriate of magne- 
sia. 
This 
