On Chlorine and Chlorate qfPotassa. 101 



I made some experiments on the orange-coloured vapour 

 arising from the action of sulphuric acid on chlorate of potassa. 

 I shall not advert to any repetition on my part of expermients 

 made by others on this vapour, — merely stating, en passant^ 

 that tallow and caoutchouc, though they have been pronounced 

 successful in this case, did not, at any rate, succeed with me ; and 

 even croton oil and cocoa-nut oil were equally unsuccessful. 



Potassium ignited with brilliant jV/s defeux; yet sodium did 

 not ignite, the metal being merely expelled with explosion. 



Heated charcoal [from the hetel-nut) exploded with light, 

 and morphia exhibited a flash of greenish light. 



Chloric ether, phosphorized alcohol and ether, and stdphuret 

 qj^ carbon, inflamed with explosion. 



Innulin exploded with light; and phosphor-ct of lime kindles 

 and explodes. 



Benzoic acid and naphthalin explode with beautiful com- 

 bustion. 



Sulphur not previously heated, as well as a mixture oi sele- 

 nium and sulphur, ex})loded in this vapour without light. 



Both artificial caraphor and deutochloride of phosphorus were 

 perfectly inert. 



Allow me, gentlemen, now to add, that chlorate of potassa 

 has been on my reconmiendation introduced into the practice 

 of several physicians with the greatest success. 



In active and passive haemorrhage and in the synochus, as 

 well as dyspepsia, its exhibition has been attended with most 

 decided benefit and the happiest results. 



Five doses of five grains each operated a cure in haemo- 

 ptysis : it was administered twice per diem, morning and 

 evening. Where in dyspepsia an irritability and excitement 

 obtain, and calomel is rejected, a dose of lour grains of the 

 chlorate of potjissa has been attended with the most marked 

 advantage. Perhaps this quantity administered once every 

 second day will be found sutticient, and the quantity may be 

 abridged in [)articular cases, as in delicate constitutions or idio- 

 syncrasy. 



I have in my own case dissolved two draclnns in a pint of 

 distilled water, and taken two table s))oonfuls twice a day, say 

 morning and evening one. The dilorate of potassa seems to 

 promise benefit in scrofula. 



I was led to reconuuend this salt in infernal hicmorrhage, 

 from having experienced its admirable eilects on mysell", hi a 

 case the conse(|uence of a violent liill whicjj I experienced. 



I may ))resuine tlie liberty to cjuote Irom the letter of a 

 friend, a physician of considerable practice, respecting its cm- 

 plonnent on my recommendation. 



'* I am 



