Preparation of the new Substance called Iode, 57 
must say that it is most disingenuous: first, because it indirectly 
makes Mr. Dalton the starter (to use the Doctor’s metaphor) of 
that whereof he was only the pursuer, and when it appears, and 
that to the Doctor’s knowledge, that Higgins put up the game}; 
and next, because that sentence conveys a sentiment unworthy 
of any scientific man, equally disparaging to merit of any dis- 
covery whatsoever, the best answer to whieh is to remind the Doc- 
tor of the story of Columbus :and the egg. 
I wish it to be clearly understood, that I by no means attempt 
to attribute the learned Doctor’s mis-statement to any unworthy 
motive ; nor is it any part of my intention to enter into a vindi- 
cation, or explanation, of the theories and the positions laid 
down in the production of Mr. Higgins. Such were I even ca- 
pable of performing would now be superfluous, as 1 understand 
there is at present in the press a work on that subject, from the 
pen of the learned Professor himself. I mean no more than to 
claim for Mr. Higgins the merit of being the original author and 
promulgator of the Atomic Theory. 
<5 I am, sir, 7. 
Your obedient humble servant, - 
To Mr. Tillach. Joun NasH. 
XII. Preparation of the lately discovered new Substance called 
IopE, which possesses the singular Property of becoming con- 
verted into a beautiful violet-coloured Gas ly the mere Ap- 
plication of Heat. Communicated by Mr. ¥aupnick Accum 
in a Letter to the Editors. 
Sirs, You will receive with these lines a small glass tube, con- 
taining a specimen of the extraordinary substance lately dis- 
covered in France, which possesses the singular property of be- 
comjng converted into a beantiful violet-coloured gas, by the 
mere application of a gentle heat, and condensing again unal- 
tered into a solid state, resembling plumnbago or black lead, when 
suffered to grow cold. 
As this substance, to which the name of iode has been given, 
has within these few weeks arrested the attention of chemists, 
and as the mode of obtaining it has not yet been published in 
this country, I take this opportunity of stating, that it may be 
procured hy distilling, with a very gentle heat, the uncrystallizable 
saline mass which is obtained, or left behind, after separating all 
the crystallizable salts from a lixivium or solution of kelp, or 
Spanish barilla of commerce. 
For the purpose of experiment or exhibition in a Lecture- 
yoom, the following easy process answers exceedingly well ; 
Take 
