A476 Memoir on Sulphuric Ether. 
gas would be greatly increased, and end in 
pure hydrogen mixed with azote. 
These experiments are not decisive; but 
they evidently point out the composition of 
the atom of ether to be 1 carburetted hydro- 
gen, 1 charcoal and 1 water, or 2 olefiant gas 
and. 1 water. 
The best method of analysis is, by firme 
the vapour of ether mixed with oxygen gas 
in Volta’s eudiometer. This method I dis- 
covered in September 1803, and have used 
it occasionally ever since, It may be proper 
to describe the various modifications of which 
this process is susceptible, 
When a few drops of ether are passed 
through water into the eudiometer containing 
oxygen gas, the volume of the gasis in a few 
minutes enlarged more or less, according to 
the temperature. In temperatures from 60° 
to 70°, the volume is about doubled; but be- 
low those it is less than doubled, and above 
more than doubled, agreeably to the prin- 
ciple before explained. 
(a) If the air be doubled or more, and an 
electric spark be taken in it, the probability 
is, that no explosion will ensue; if by re- 
peated sparking an explosion take place, it 
is feeble, and may be repeated a few seconds 
afterwards, sometimes once or twice. The 
