1 40 Koikes respecting New Books. 



a series of Woulfe'8 bottles, the first containing lime-water, the 

 t^econd nitrous acid, the third water, and the fourth dilute solutiou 

 of sulphate of iron : from the last bottle proceeded a tube which 

 plunged deeply in the water-cistern. At the end of the process 

 the first bottle contained carbonate and hydro-sulphuret of lime; 

 in the second the nitrous acid was rendered colourless; the water 

 of the third jireveiited the passage of nitrous acid vapour into 

 the solution of sulphate of iron ; and tliis solution in the fourth 

 detained a quantiiy of nitrous gas, as was shown by its olive co- 

 lour. The hydrogen which came over when agitated with \^■ater, 

 was destitute of smell. When ajar of it was kindled, it burned 

 gradually, but the ligh.t was so faint and rare that it had no co- 

 lour. I was not prepared to take the specific gravity of this 

 purified gas. 



The nitrous acid did not manifest the least traces of arsenic 

 or phosphoric acid. When evaporated to dryness, it left a por- 

 tion of matter too minute to ascertain the nature of. 



From the foregoing it appears that, in order to obtain pure 

 hydrogen, we must first agitate common hydrogen with lime^ 

 water during a few minutes, next with a little nitrous acid, after-r 

 wards with dilute solution of sulphate of iron; and lastly, with 

 water. The gas is now entirely dej)rived of smell. 



For this purpose, a funnel the throat of which is fitted with a 

 ground glass rod, its pipe being ground to fit the mouth of a 

 large bottle, will be a convenient apparatus. When the fluids arc 

 to be poured out, it must be done by inverting the bottle under 

 water, and withdrawing the fumiel. 



M, 



XXXMI. Notices respccL'mg Neia Books. 



.R. AccuM has in the press *' A practical Essay on Chemical 

 Reagents or Tests, illustrated by a Series of Experiments." 



The work will comprehend a summary view of the general 

 nature of chemical tests ; — the effects which are produced by the 

 action of tiiese bodies; — the particular uses to which they may 

 be- applied in the pursuits of chemical science; — and the art of 

 applying them successfully. A List of those substances for which 

 there exist any appropriate tests will be added; and a portable 

 chemical chest, containing all the chemical tests and apparatus 

 necessary for performing the experiments described in this 

 Treatise, may also be had with the work, which will be publishcc| 

 early in September. 



The Rev. T. Maurice, the learned author of Indian Antiquities, 

 ha^ in the press " Oboervations on the Ruina of Babylon." 



Mr. Maurioe 



