426 Chemical Action of Bodies on each other [Jung, 
ArtTIcLeE ITI. 
On the Chemical Action of Bodies on each other when triturated 
together. By H. F. Link.* 
In a dissertation on Berthollet’s theory of affinity (Gehlen’s 
Journal fiir die Chemie und Physik, vol. iii. p. 240), among other 
arguments against Berthollet’s theory, I stated that bodies are de- 
composed by merely triturating them together; though, according 
to Berthollet, this decomposition is only the consequence of a dif- 
ference in the solubility or volatility of bodies. At that time I paid 
little or no attention to the water of crystallization, because this 
water is in the state of a solid body, and cannot act as a medium of 
solution: and the assertion that all decomposition is the result of 
easy or difficult solubility, in as far as solubility is concerned, is 
essential to Berthollet’s doctrine of affinity. On that side the theory 
requires quite other determinations. 
It must further be admitted by the supporters of Berthollet’s 
“ theory that a chemical combination is produced by the trituration of 
dry bodies together. This combination agrees completely with the 
theory, and takes place in different proportions. Whether a de- 
composition takes place depends upon the presence of an easily 
soluble portion in the compound. Sulphate of potash and muriate 
of barytes dissolved in water unite together ;, but the insoluble por- 
tion, the sulphate of barytes, separates itself. When J triturate 
together muriate of barytes and sulphate of copper deprived of its 
water of crystallization, a combination of all the ingredients of 
course takes place. But'why does alcohol produce no change in it, 
since it contains muriate of copper, a body easily soluble in that 
liquid? Similar questions may be put in many other cases, which 
must at least alter the theory. 
But I leave the considerations respecting Berthollet’s theory, 
which a more accurate knowledge of facts have suggested. The 
experiments on the trituration of bodies with each other ought not, 
in my opinion, to be entirely neglected, as perhaps some general 
consequences respecting the chemical action of bodies on each other 
may be drawn from them. | 
Muriate of lime and sulphate of copper, both dry, and the latter 
heated on a metal plate till it fell down in the state of a white 
powder, remained, after being triturated together, quite white. 
Absolute alcoho! (when I speak of this liquid hereafter, I always 
mean it in that state) gave the powder a yellow colour. Water 
rendered it blue. If we triturate crystallized sulphate of copper 
with muriate of lime, the powder has a yellow colour. Muriate of 
* Translated from Schweigger’s Journal, vol, xiv. p. 193, October, 1815. 
