Chemistry. 105 
which is very unstable, containing more oxygen than the deutoxide. 
The author’s researches upon osmium and iridium have already been 
alluded to, as was the new osmious acid, OsO%, dA, 
8. Potash and Soda; by M. Bizio, (Chem. Gaz., 1845, p. 46.)— 
This author recommends a new method of rendering these alkalies caus- 
tic. It is to mix one part of the carbonates in solution with one part of 
freshly prepared dry hydrate of lime, and allowing it to stand in a clos- 
ed vessel for twenty four hours, at a temperature of 68° to 78° Faur., 
frequently shaking it. ‘The potash should be dissolved in 12 to 15, and 
the soda 7 to 15 parts of water. The carbonate of lime separates ina 
granular state, and the caustic ley may be decanted ; a weaker ley may 
be obtained from the residue, by fresh treatment with water. J. L.5. 
9. Prussic Acid; by M. Wirtine, (Chem. Gaz., Jan. 1845, p. 47.) 
—It is recommended to mix the matter taken from any one supposed 
to be poisoned by this acid, with one sixth its weight of alcohol, and 
distill over one fourth. If prussic acid be present, the distilled product 
generally evolves the peculiar smell ; to the product a little caustic pot- 
ash is added, and then a mixed acid solution of the protochloride and 
perchloride of iron, when prussian blue is. formed. If the poisoning 
was effected by any of the cyanides, hydrochloric acid should be added 
along with the alcohol. J. L. 8... 
10. New Test for Bile and Sugar ; by Dr. M. PeTTENKOFFER, (Ann, 
der Chem. und Pharm., Oct. 1844.)—This test is based upon the deep 
violet tint afforded by the addition of sulphuric acid and sugar to the 
bile, even when perfectly colorless. It. is upon the choleic acid, (which 
forms the essential part of the bile,) that this reaction takes place. A 
little of the liquid suspected to contain the bile is poured into a test 
tube, and two thirds of its volume of sulphuric acid added by drops, so 
as not to allow the temperature of the mixture to exceed 144° Faur., 
as a higher temperature would decompose the choleic acid; then add 
from 2 to 5 drops of a solution of one part of sugar to four fifths of 
water, and shake the mixture; if bile be present, the violet red color 
will appear in a shorter or longer space of time, according to the quan- 
tity present. . The precautions necessary to succeed are, not to allow 
the temperature to exceed 144° Faur.; not to add too much sugars 
the sulphuric acid must be free from sulphurous acid. If albumen be 
present in the suspected liquor, it is best to coagulate it previous to test- 
ing, with a little alcohol or heat. If the bile be in small quantity, it 
should be concentrated in a water bath, extracted with alcohol, and this 
last evaporated to a small bulk, and the test applied to the solution when 
cold; this is particularly to be attended to, when the urine and other 
secretions are the subjects of experiment. By means of this test, bile 
was detected in the urine of a patient suffering under pneumonia. The 
14 
Sxcoxp Series, Vol. I, No. 1.—Jan. 1 
