1821.] 



of Charcoal and Hydrogen t 



17? 



Table II. — Containing the Results of Experiments on the Gas 



obtainedfrom Coal. 



Inferences respecting the Composition of that Part of the Gases 

 from Coal and from Oil, which is not condemible by the Action 

 of Chlorine. 



The analytical experiments, which I have described on the 

 action of chlorine on artificial mixtures of olefiant with hydrogen 

 and carburetted hydrogen gases, afford no room for doubt that 

 by that agent the quantity of olefiant gas in any mixture of these 

 gases may be accurately determined. We are not, however, 

 acquainted with any chemical agent, either liquid or aeriform, 

 which, from a mixture of hydrogen, carburetted hydrogen, and 

 carbonic oxide, is capable of separating one of those gases, 

 leaving the others in their original state and quantity.* The 

 only method at present known of determining the composition 

 of such a mixture is by firing it with oxygen gas, and, from the 

 phenomena and results of the process, deducing the proportion 

 of its ingredients. In drawing conclusions of this kind, it is 

 necessary to have distinctly in view the properties of those 

 gases in their separate state. The following Table contains an 

 abstract of their leading characters, which will be found veiy 

 useful in such investigations. Though not strictly necessary, I 

 have included olefiant gas, in order to render the Table more 

 complete. 



Table III. — Exhibiting the characteristic Properties of different 



combustible Gases. 



• I have not found that chlorine can be employed with any success in analyzing such 

 mixtures ; for when placed in contaet with two or more of those gases, and exposed to 

 lijjht, it does not act upon one exclusively, but upon all that compose the mixture. 



New Series, VOL. II, N 



