252 Chemical Nomenclature of Berzelius. 
ticles sub or super, are prefixed to the name derived from the elec- 
tro-negative body, as when we say suboxide, superoxide. We mai 
also use terms of this kind, sulphuret of copper, oxide of iron, which 
express the nature of the components of substances, without refer- 
ence to the proportions in which they are combined. 
The electro-negative compounds formed by oxygen have always 
been distinguished from the electro-positive, formed by the same ele- 
ment in the nomenclature of de Morveau, although no reference 
was had to such a theoretical distinction. The first class were call-. 
ed acids, the second oxides. In these names and their terminations, 
there is a deviation from the rule laid down above, which usage has 
sanctioned.(4) This marked distinction in nomenclature between the 
electro-negative and electro-positive compounds is very convenient, 
and I propose to extend it to all binary compounds.—I shall, there- 
fore, call those combinations of sulphur, selenium, tellurium, chlo- 
rine, bromine, iodine, and fluorine, with bodies less electro-negative 
than themselves, which in their atomic constitution correspond to the 
acids,(5) by the names sulphides, selenides, tellurides, chlorides, bro- 
ides, iodides, and fluorides: while those combinations of the same 
bodies with = electro-positive metals, which in the atomic rela- 
tions of the components correspond to the bases, I shall term, sul- 
phurets, BEES tellurets, chlorurets, bromurets, iodurets, and fluo- 
rets. The same rule should be followed in those combinations 
on have the name owurets, and the acids would be called oxides. Reference is 
ak 
sulphu 
d Sulphiivats or sulphobases. T 
with ihe eleciro- -negative metals are called ree, either when their pesca 
is peopeicnel to that of an acid compound of the nee with oxygen, or when they 
are capable of roe with aulphobiases.”-— 
el » simi in particulars to acids, ani 
electio-positive combustibles, forming Sales gale: compounds, analogous to the 
bases. These compounds can neutralize as aa just as the oxides neutralize 
fhe: acids, and thus they  pineee salts.” (Vol. I, p. 220.) 
We have said, in treati » that on forms combinations which are 
bts to acids, and ot thers analogous to bases. The electro-negative compounds 
“tet ruphides, the — Selheares or sulphobases.” (Vol. I, p. 253-) 
aan combinat - is of the tro-positive seal with selenium are called sé 
a i-bases, ea . the electro-n lenides. 
These 1: egative metals are called se 
ese latter unite with the the former, producing a » (Vol. II, p. 420.}—Trans. 
