On some Chem'ical Agencies of JLlectflcUu . 107 



but no redness appeared above the amianthus, or about it, 

 on the neeative side ; and though it had been constantly 

 transmitting sulphuric acid, it ren>ained unafiected to the 

 last. 



The order of the experiment was changed, and the saline 

 solution placed on the positive side ^ a solution and papers 

 tinged with turmeric being substituted tor those tinged u ith 

 litmus. The effect was precisely analogous ; the turmeric 

 became brown first near the negative wire, and no change 

 took place in the intermediate vessel near ihe positive wire. 



In anorhcr process the two glass tubes were filled v^'ith 

 solution of muriate of soda, and the intermediate vessel with 

 solution of sulphate of silver; paper tinged with turmeric 

 was placed on the positive side, and paper linged with litmus 

 on the negative side : as soon as the electrical circuit was 

 complete, soda began to appear in the negative tube, and 

 oxymuriatic acid in the positive tube; and the alternate pro- 

 ducts were exhibited passing into the solution of sulphate of 

 silver, the muriatic acid occasioning a dense heavy precipi- 

 tate, and the soda a more diffused and a lighter one; bu{ 

 neither the turmeric transmitting the alkali, nor the litmus 

 transmitting the acid, had their tints in the slightest deorce 

 altered. 



V. On the Passage of Jcids, Alkalies, and other Sitlstances, 

 through various aiiracling chemical Menstrua, ly meanx 

 of Electricity. 



As acid and alkaline substances, during the time of their 

 electrical transfer, passed through water containing vegetable 

 colours without affecting them, or apparently combinin<j; with 

 them, it immediately became an object of inquiry, whether 

 they would not likewise pass through chemical menstrua 

 having stronger attractions for them ; and it seemed reason- 

 able to suppose that the saine power which destroyed elective 

 affinity in the vicinity of the metallic points, would likewise 

 destroy it, or suspend its operation, throughout the whole 

 of the circuit. 



An arrangement was made of the same vessels ;uid appa- 

 ratus employed in the txperimctit on the solution of min-iate 



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