ES a 
XVI. Experiments on Muriatic Acid Gas, with Observations on 
its Chemical Constitution, and on some other Subjects of 
Chemical Theory. By Joun Murray, M. D.F.R.S.E. 
(Read 15th Dec. 1817, and 12th Jan. 1818.) 
PART J. 
Sone years ago J proposed, as decisive of the question which 
has been the subject of controversy on the nature of Oxymu- 
riatic and Muriatic Acids, the experiment of procuring water 
from muriate of ammonia, formed by the combination of dry. 
ammoniacal and muriatic acid gases. Muriatic acid gas be- 
ing the sole product of the mutual action of oxymuriatic gas 
- and hydrogen, it foHows, that if oxymuriatic gas contain oxy- 
gen, muriatic acid gas must contain combined water ; while, if 
the former be a simple body, the latter must be the neal acid, 
free from water. When muriatic acid gas is submitted to the 
action of substances which combine with acids, water is obtain- 
ed ; but though the most simple and direct conclusion from 
this is, that the water is deposited from the muriatic acid gas, 
the result may be accounted for on the opposite doctrine, by 
the 
