the Mineral JVaters of Dunlhne and VitcaiLhhj. 267 



forded, by evaporation, a matter which entered into fusion, and 

 whicli, after being dried at a heat approaching to redness, 

 weighed while warm lS-2 grains. It was highly deliqnescent, 

 so as to increase qnickly in weight, and in a short time became 

 humid on the surface. 



These two products were evidently principally muriate of so- 

 da, and nnniate of hme. But it was necessary to ascertain if 

 they were entirely so, as both of them might contain small por- 

 tions of other ingredients. 



The matter dissolved by the alcohol, supposing it to be mu- 

 riate of lime, would require for its conversion into sulphate of 

 lime about sixteen grains of sulphuric acid, of the usual strength. 

 Eighteen grains were added with a small portion of distilled wa- 

 ter, and heat was applied ; vapours of muriatic acid were dis- 

 charged : To render the mutual action more complete, small 

 portions of water were successively added, the soft mass being 

 frequently stirred, and when the vapours had ceased to exhale, 

 the heat was raised to redness, to expel any excess of acid. The 

 dry matter weighed 22 grains, precisely the quantity that ought 

 to be obtained from IS grains of muriate of lime. 



It was diffused in a quantity of water, which it at first ab- 

 sorbed with a hissing noise. The water, after having been 

 added in successive quantities, with frequent agitation, being 

 poured off, the undissolved matter was dried at a low red heat : 

 it weighed 18"5 grains, and formed a soft white powder free 

 from taste. The water poured off was very slightly acidulous. 

 This was neutralised by ammonia ; it was then evaporated to 

 dryness, and tiie solid matter was heated to redness. On again 

 submitting it to the action of a small quantity of water, a por- 

 tion remained undissohed, \\hich weighed when dried two 

 grains. 



There were thus obtained 20*5 grains of sulphate of lime, a 

 quantity equivalent to 16v of dry muriate of lime. The small 

 portion of liquor which remained in the last operation had a 

 bitterish taste: by spontaneous evaporation it formed acicular 

 crystals ; diluted with distilled water, it became slightly turbid 

 on adding oxalate of ammonia, and more so on the addition of 

 alcohol ; but in the latter case the transparency was restored 

 on adding water. With a minute portion, therefore, of sulphate 

 of lime, it appeared to be principally sul})hate of soda, <lerivcd 

 from a little muriate of soda, which, notwithstanding the pre- 

 cautions that were employed, had adhered to the muriate of 

 lime. 



The matter which remained undissolved by the alcohol, weigh- 

 ed, it lias been stated, 28-.) grains. It remained to ascertain if 

 it were entirely muriate of soda. 



Being; 



