Y-l On llif Jcidijicaliuii of Iodine. 



the acidification of what had been at first introduced; and the 

 process might then be farther continued, as before. 



I find, conformably to the observation of M. Serullas, that 

 iodic acid does not attack gold. Its solution seems to have no 

 action on that metal even when aided by heat. It is equally 

 inert in regard to platinum. Zinc is at first attacked by it wiJi 

 effervescence, especially when diluted ; but the action ceases al- 

 most immediately, apparently from the formation of a sparingly 

 soluble iodate ; and when more zinc is added, the liquid be- 

 comes milky. No effervescence ensued when iron-filings were 

 thrown into the solution of iodic acid, whether concentrated or 

 diluted ; but when the liquid was boiled, a white powder preci- 

 pitated. 



The solution of the acid reddened litmus paper permanently. 

 The permanency of the colour may possibly be owing to a trace 

 of nitric acid still adhering ; as, according to Davy, the acid 

 ultimately bleaches vegetable blues. 



Observations on the Glaciers of the Alps. By Mr F. J. Hugi, 

 Professor at Soleure. (Concluded from page 341 of preced- 

 ing Volume.) 



Observation has furnished proofs of the existence amongst 

 the glaciers of the second kind of a progressive downward 

 movement, which ranges from 20 to GO feet per annum. We 

 have evidence of this movement in the examination of the mi- 

 neral debris belonging to a superior repository, embedded in the 

 <Tlacier, and gradually advancing even to the inferior extremity 

 of this glacier. Some authors imagined that this descent might 

 be attributed to the pressure exerted on the upper part by the 

 avalanches detached from the glaciers of the Jirst kind. Mr 

 Hugi endeavours to combat this opinion, and relates, in refer- 

 ence to this, some curious observations concerning the meteoro- 

 logy of elevated regions. " Avalanches,"" says he, " take place 

 only in low regions, at the limit of forests, and on the declivity 

 of valleys, whence they are precipitated into the bottom, and 

 often occasion terrible ravages. Elevated peaks arc above the 



