Kirwanian Society of DulUrt. iis 



process for obtaining magnesia, were the preparation of the 

 dry oxymuriate readily practicable. 



The author then proposed processes for obtaining liquid 

 oxymuriates of magnesia and of soda. The process for 

 obtaining the former was recommended to the calico- 

 printer, on the grounds of facility of preparation and com- 

 parative oeconomy : that for obtaining the latter was pro- 

 posed to the manufacturer's notice, as promising utility in 

 the arts, from the happy coincidence that occurs, in the 

 preparation of oxymuriaiic gas; namely, the formation of 

 sulphate of soda in large quantities, a substance essential 

 to the proposed process. 



Some experiments v/ere then detailed concerning the re- 

 spective energies of the oxymuriates in dischargins vege- 

 table colouring matter ; and also on their action upon the 

 texture of linen fabric, the cohesion of which, by using 

 concentrated solutions of each, was found completely de- 

 stroyed, while no apparent injury was observed to result 

 from the action of the diluted liquid of the bleacher, al- 

 though the cloth was boiled therein for some hours. Con- 

 cerning the muriate of lime, it was found that in no de- 

 gree of strength was it injurious. 



The paper concluded with a detailed account of the com- 

 parative expense of the oxymuriates enumerated, and with 

 some observations on the objections urged against the oxy- 

 muriate of lime. 



April 21. The Secretary read a paper entitled '* Facts 

 and Experiments relating to Fiorin Grass," by the Right 

 Hon. G. Knox, President of the Society. 



The intention of the author had been to present a minute 

 detail of his attempts to analyse that interesting vegetable* 

 but on account of the exaggerated reports that began to 

 circulate concerning his inquiries, it became a matter of 

 necessity to state the fads as far as he had ascertained 

 them *. 



The author first adverted to the uncertainty which attends 

 drying the grass: it was observed that at the temperature of 

 212'^ or lower, the formation of an empyreumatic oil was 

 evident; while at a still lower temperature it was apparent 



* This necessity was further increased by an unfortunate accident which 

 •ccurred to the author diirinn^ his experimests, the consequence of which wat 

 that he wai compelled to rehnquiiU the invesligatiou. The period when he 

 might l^e enabled to resume it being- uncertain, he preferred communicatinr 

 the prcsfcDi statement, although niucli more imperfect than what he at first 

 intended ; beside tliat the general analysis became le>s necessary, a» it is re- 

 ported that such will shortly appear in Sir H. Davy's Agricultural Lecture* 

 Qow ia ttie preit. 



that 



