of Chlorine and Carbon, &c. 353 
heated, it first fuses, and then sublimes without any change. Its 
vapour condenses into crystals, which are either prismatic, or in 
plates. On becoming solid after fusion, it also crystallizes in 
needles. The crystals are transparent. When highly heated it 
is decomposed, and iodine evolved, It is not readily combus- 
tible; but when held in the flame of a spirit lamp, burns, dimi- 
nishing the flame, and giving off abundance of iodine, and some 
fumes of hydriodic acid. It is insoluble in water, or in acid and 
alkaline solutions. It is soluble in alcohol and ether, and may 
be obtained in crystals from these solutions, The alcoholic so- 
lution is of a very sweet taste, but leaves a peculiarly sharp biting 
sensation on the tongue. 
Sulphuric acid does not dissolve it. When heated in the acid 
to between 300° and 400°, the compound is decomposed, appa- 
rently by the heat alone ; and iodine anda gas, probably olefant 
gas, are liberated. Solution of potash acts on it very slowly, 
even at the boiling point, but does gradually decompose it. 
This substance is evidently analogous to the compound of 
olefiant gas and chlorine, and remarkably resembles it in the 
sweetness of its taste, though it differs from it in form, &c. It 
will with that body form a new class of compounds, and they - 
will require names to distinguish them. The term chloric ether, 
applied to the compound of olefiant gas and chlorine, did not at 
any time convey a very definite idea, and the analogous name of 
iodic ether would evidently be very improper for a solid crystal- 
line body heavier than sulphuric acid. Mr. Brande has sug- 
gested the names of bydriodide of ‘carbon, and hydrochloride of 
carbon, for these two bodies. Perhaps, as their general pro- 
perties range with those of the combustibles, while the specific 
nature of the compound is decided by the supporter of combus- 
tion which is in combination, the terms of hydrocarburet of 
chlorine, and hydrocarburet of iodine, may be considered as ap- 
propriate for thein. , 
As yet I have not succeeded in procuring an iodide of carbon, 
but I intend to pursue these experiments in a brighter season of 
the year, and expect to obtain this compound. 
LXXIII. An Analysis of Mr. Barty’s Astronomical Tables and 
Remarks for the Year 1822. By Grorc& Harvey, Mem- 
ber of the London Astronomical Society. 
To Dr. Tilloch. 
Sin,— Lux celebrated astronomer SCHUMACHER lately pub- 
lished at Copenhagen certain Astronomical Tables for the years 
Vol. 59, No. 289: May 1822, Yy 1820 
