6 NOTICES OF THE MEETINGS [Jan. 31, 
layers; the lower consisting of acid, water, and impurities; the 
upper, of paraffine and oils. 
This mixture of paraffine and oily hydrocarbons is then submitted 
to distillation : the first half of the distilled products consists chiefly 
of hydrocarbons of the naphtha family ; the other half contains the 
denser oils and paraffine; when cold, the paraffine crystallises, and 
is separated from the oil by straining and pressure ; it is subsequently 
bleached and deodorized by chlorine, or chlorochromic acid ; then 
redistilled, pressed, and steamed, until brought to a state of purity. 
The heavy oils, from which the paraffine is deposited, are then mixed 
with the lighter oils, which were separated in the first instance by 
distillation, and with caustic lime. After atime sulphuric acid is 
added, which combines with impurities. The oils are then distilled, 
bleached by chlorochromic acid, and deodorized. In this part of 
the process the substance called capnomor, the properties of which 
have not been investigated, presents itself. 
C. The gases. —'The greater part of the oxygen of the air which 
is blown through the furnace, naturally combines in the first instance 
with the burning carbon and is converted into carbonic acid. 
This gas, however, on rising through the intensely heated mass, 
takes up an additional proportion of carbon to form carbonic oxide, 
which passes off with the hydrogen and gaseous hydrocarbons, 
also generated by the combustion, and which, notwithstanding 
the large preportion of nitrogen blended with them, remain in the 
form of an inflammable mixture, which is ultimately used as fuel to 
work the steam-engine, and to heat the stills and boilers. 
In conclusion Professor Brande reviewed the various products of 
peat and their uses. 
They appear to be. 
1. Sulphate of Ammonia. This substance is employed in the pre- 
paration of carbonate and muriate of ammonia, of caustic ammonia, 
and in the manufacture of manures and fertilizing composts. 
2. Acetate of Lime, which is in constant demand as a source 
of acetic acid, and of various acetates largely consumed by the calico 
printers. 
3. Pyroxylic spirit (or wood-alcohol) used in vapour lamps, (two 
of which were exhibited and attention called to the brilliancy of 
the light afforded,) and in the preparation of varnishes. 
4. Naphtha, used for making varnishes, and for dissolving 
caoutchouc. 
5. Heavy and more fixed oils, applicable for lubricating machi- 
nery, especially when blended with other unctuous substances ; or 
as a cheap lamp oil, and as a source of lamp black. 
6. Paraffine. This when mixed with fatty matter forms a 
material for candles, samples of which were shown, consisting of 
mixtures of paraffine, sperm, and stearine. 
