270 Experiments on Azote. [Oct. 



Potash absorbed per cent. ; 31*16 ; hydrogen liberated, 36*46: — 



Acid gas 47*56 



Hydrogen 20*06 



Azote 32*38 



At present I refrain from entering farther upon this subject ; it 

 rests with the cultivators of chemistry to satisfy themselves of the 

 correctness of these views, and to prove cr disprove the facts con- 

 tained in the foregoing pages. For this reason I forbear applying 

 any name either to the " unknown gas " or to the " acid gas" till 

 the truth of their existence is confirmed beyond my own assertion. 

 In the present stage of the investigation I think I may be warranted 

 in drawing the following 



General Conclusions. 



1. It seems sufficiently well established that azote is a compound 

 body, and that it has been formed from the elements of water. 



2. There can exist but little doubt that azote is composed of 55*6 

 oxygen and 44*4 hydrogen per cent, in weight. 



3. It is evident that such a compound as sulphureted azote exists, 

 and that it is composed of 52*65 sulphur and 47*35 azote, or of one 

 atom of sulphur and one atom of azote. 



4. The new gas described under the title of the " unknown gas " 

 is one that has never before come under the notice of chemists. It 

 would appear to be composed of two atoms of sulphur united to the 

 elements of one atom of ammonia. It is very similar in its want 

 of chemical properties to azote. 



5. The crystals deposited on the sides of the flask appear also 

 novel combinations. Their form is certainly different from that of 

 sulphur; and their composition, as deduced in a former place, is 

 only analogous to some of those of carbon. 



6. The acid gas is likewise a new and singular compound ; it:-, 

 properties being decidedly different from those of any other known 

 substance. It is a combination analogous to the prussic acid ; the 

 former being composed of azote, hydrogen, and oxygen, united to 

 sulphur; while the latter is formed of the same materials united to 

 carbon. Several striking coincidences might be pointed out in the 

 relation of these two compounds. 



1 am now on the point of recommencing my experiments on the 

 composition of azote, the obstructions to their progress being now, 

 I hope, entirely removed. Whenever my little leisure will allow 

 of their being completed, I will not fail to give you full informa- 

 tion of their results. 



I remain, Sir, with much respect, 



Your obedient humble servant, 

 London. June 28, 1614. JciJN MlKRS. 



