On a fulminating Comlination of Silver . 37 



smell of nitrous ether. The liquor soon becomes turbid, 

 and we see deposited a white, crystalliue, and opaque pow- 

 der, which must be separated, when it ceases to fall down, 

 and washed several times with small quantities of water. 



When we employ the solution of silver ready made and 

 strongly acid, we must heat it slightly and afterwards add 

 the alcohol ; the heat produced by the mixture, which is 

 performed gradually, soon produces a considerable ebulli- 

 tion, and the powder is suddenly deposited *. 

 This powder has the following properties : 

 It is white and crystalline, but this last appearance is va- 

 riable with respect to the volume and the lustre of the cry- 

 stals. 



It changes a little in the light. 



It inflames with a sharp detonation by heat, agitation, or 

 long continued friction. Simple pressure, provided it be 

 not very strong, produces no change. 



It detonates upon being struck by the electrical spark. 

 It is slightly soluble in water. It has an extremely strong 

 metallic taste. 



Concentrated sulphuric acid determines its inflammation, 

 and the acid itself is driven to a great distance ; dilute sul- 

 phuric acid seems to decompose it slowly. 



Weak or concentrated xiiuriatic acid decomposes it in- 

 stantly by forming muriate of silver. The quantity of mu- 

 riate obtained indicates about 71' per cent, of metallic silver 

 in the detonating silver; at first there is liberated a very de- 

 cided smell of prussic acid, but I could not collect sensible 

 traces of it. 



The nitric acid decomposes it with the assistance of ebul- 

 lition, and we obtain nothing but nitrate of silver and ni- 

 trate of ammonia, if it be long enough continued. 



It is decomposed by means of sulphurized hydrogen; the 

 ammonia and the vegetable matter remain in the liquor. 



Caustic potash decomposes it; black oxide of silver is 

 separated, and ammonia is disengaged. 



* It is almost needless to observe that the mixture of alcoliol ancT warm 

 nitric acid is subject to many accidents, and we must conseiiutMitly opcrat'e 

 upon very small (luantities. 



C3 Jt 



