HEINRICH ROSE ON ^THERIFICATION. 375 



series of experiments, which he had the kindness to communi- 

 cate to me. 



Two pounds of the hydrate of sulphuric acid were mixed 

 cold with two pounds of anhydrous alcohol, the mixture was 

 made to boil with all possible haste in a retort, the distilled 

 products, well cooled, were gradually received, and the distilla- 

 tion continued until the contents of the retort boiled over. 



The weight and specific gravity of the products were deter- 

 mined as they distilled over in succession. The results are as 

 follow : 



First product : 3 drachms 50 grains; spec. gr. 0*776*; pro- 

 duced before the boiling of the mixture. The following 

 products passed over after its boiling : 



Second product : 3 ounces 6 drachms ; spec. gr. 0'808. 



Third product : 3 ounces 6 drs. ; spec. gr. 0*800. 



Fourth product % 3 ounces 6 drs. ; spec. gr. 0*786. 



Fifth product : 5 ounces 3 drs. 50 grs. ; spec. gr. 0*776. 



Sixth product : 4 ounces 1 dr. 50 grs. ; spec. gr. 0761. 



Seventh product : 1 ounce 7 drs. 10 grs. ; spec. gr. 0*809. 



Eighth product : 1 ounce 2 drs. 

 The first five products consisted of a single liquid ; the 

 sixth w'as the first in which a layer of water and of aether were 

 perceptible. The quantity of separated water amounted to 3 

 drachms ; the aethereal liquid had the specific gravity mentioned 

 above. The seventh product consisted in volume of two parts 

 water, and three parts of an aethereal fluid of the specific gravity 

 stated ; the eighth consisted almost entirely of water, above 

 which floated a very thin layer of aether, which was coloured 

 yellow by oil of wine. The contents of the retort boiled over on 

 the continued application of heat. 



The first five products consisted of aether mixed with alcohol, 

 which last was contained in the retort as such, and not con- 

 verted into sulphovinic acid, and evaporated fi-om the mixture 

 in company with the aether. The first product, which distilled 

 over at the lowest temperature, contained, to judge from its 

 specific gravity, much aether, and little alcohol, quite opposed to 

 the general opinion that aether is only formed at the boiling-point 

 ! of the mixture. The succeeding products gradually became, ac- 

 cording to their specific gravity, constantly more aethereal, and 



* The specific gravities, both here as well as those to be mentioned subse- 

 quently, were all determined at 14° Reaum. (63-5° Fahr.). 



