464 Analyses of Books. — [Dzc: 
aware that the operation of light on corrosive sublimate has yet 
been minutely considered. It is known that the liquor hydrar- 
eyri oxymuriatis of the London Pharmacopeeia is decomposed 
by light; it has been stated that the compound itself, when 
exposed to light, undergoes the same change; and it has been 
recommended in consequence, to keep it in black bottles.” 
With a view to acquire some precise information on this sub- 
ject, the following experiments were instituted by Dr. D. Some 
corrosive sublimate in fine powder was exposed to sunshine for, 
14 days in a sealed glass tube ; no change was then produced. 
A solution in distilled water being exposed to sunshine for the 
same period, calomel and free muriatic acid resulted. “Some 
liquor hydrargyrt. oxymuriatis and solutions of corrosive subli- 
mate in rectified spint and in ether were exposed to. sunshine 
for the same time.” In. the-fosmer, calomel was produced ; while 
in the two latter, no change took.place. Oil of turpentine being 
poured on the sublimate, and exposed to sunshine, had its fluidity 
slightly impaired; but the sublimate-was unaltered. “To a 
saturated aqueous solution of corrosive sublimate, a few drops 
of muriatic acid were added ; and to another saturated solution, 
a small quantity of muriate of ammonia. No change was pro- 
duced in these solutions by the action of light during exposure 
for three weeks.” : 
. © From these experiments it may be deduced,” continues the 
author, “ that light alone has not the power of decomposing, 
corrosive sublimate, and that it does not produce the effect, 
excepting when aided by aflinities of a complicated nature.” 
In confirmation of this conclusion, some other experiments 
are related. It was found that 37 grains of distilled water were. 
required to dissolve 2 grains of corrosive sublimate at the tem- 
perature of 57° Fahrenheit; and that its degree of solubility 
mcreases greatly with the temperature. Alcohol, of specific 
gravity °816, at 60°, dissolves half its weight of the same sub- 
stance ; the specific gravity of the solution 1:08. Twenty grains 
of sulphuric ether, of specific gravity °745, took up 7 grains; the 
specific gravity of the solution being likewise 1:08. The solvent 
power of ether does not appear to be increased by elevation of 
temperature, or diminished by its reduction ; the boiling point 
of the solution and of pure ether seems to be the same ; and in 
the act of ebullition, the solution appears to be decomposed. 
When a mixture of corrosive sublimate and oil of turpentine 
is gently heated, mutual decomposition takes place. ‘ The 
results appear to be modified by the proportions of the two sub- 
stances. When the quantity of corrosive sublimate is large, the 
whole of the oil appears to be completely decomposed, and the 
products are, liquid muriatic acid, calomel, and charcoal., When 
the oil is in excess, the part that escapes decomposition passes 
over impregnated with muriatic acid; and, judging from its 
smell, appears to contain aminute quantity of artificial camphor.” 
