236 Intelligence and Miscellaneous Articles. 
With the intention of ascertaining the condensation of the elements 
of the equivalent of paraflin, M. Lewy attempted to determine its 
density in the state of vapour ; this operation requires many precau- 
tions, for paraffin undergoes incipient decomposition at a tempera- 
ture but little higher than that of its boiling point; it is difficult not 
to obtain some carburetted hydrogen gas, of which the eudiometric 
analysis must be performed in order to calculate with greater exactness 
the density according to the data of the experiment ; when however 
the operation is carefully conducted, the paraffin remains white in the 
receiver, and analysis indicates no alteration init. The results of 
three determinations did not sufficiently agree to admit of proving 
the equivalent of paraffin with certainty. The numbers oscillated 
between 10 and 11°8. Allthat can be stated with certainty is, that 
the molecule of paraffin contains at least 40 equivalents of carbon. 
Taking the composition as C*° H*, calculation will give the fol- 
lowing numbers :— 
40 vol. of vapour of carbon = 33°728 
84 vol. of hydrogen Show ro 
aa = ge 
Assuming the formula C48 H'!°°, we shall have 
40 vol. of vapour of carbon = 40°32 
100 vol. of hydrogen = 6°88 
2 = 118 
4 
This formula gives 
RUA acs raha ed Bigs) SOS. dais Tolel ote 85°20 
1 CORSA Meo cf Us tae eee 14°78 
4225 99°98 
numbers which agree equally well with the experiments. 
M. Lewy remarks, that it is evident that the formula for paraffin 
requires to be verified by means less subject to error; he states also 
that he has made several attempts to obtain products derived from 
paraffin by the influence of several chemical agents; chlorine has a 
marked action, and yields under favourable circumstances a crystal- 
line body which contains much chlorine. 
An examination of the products derived from paraffin, as well as 
researches on wax and its relation to paraffin, will undoubtedly fur- 
nish new data for establishing the equivalent of paraffin.—Ann. de 
Chemie, Juillet 1842. 
(a 
ANALYSIS OF HUMAN BONES. BY BERZELIUS AND BY 
MARCHAND. 
The analysis of Berzelius has not we believe been very recently 
performed, but that of Marchand has; we give them both that they 
may be compared. 
Berzelius.—Cartilage completely soluble in water.... 32°17 
V GSecie., cite memcrne ei ea cs «bo abe tiee s Hohn. Seo 113 
