50 



ALCOHOL 



Tralltfa Table of the Composition BY VOLUME of Mixtures of Akohol and Water of 



different Densities. 



In order, however, to employ this Table for ascertaining the strength of mixtures 

 of alcohol and -water of different densities (-which is the practical use of such Tables), 

 it is absolutely necessary that the determination of the density should be performed 

 at an invariable temperature, viz. 60 F. The methods of determining the density 

 will be hereafter described ; but it is obvious that practically the experiment cannot 

 be conveniently made at any fixed temperature, but must be performed at that of the 

 atmosphere. 



M. Gay-Lussac has constructed a most valuable Table, of -which the folio-wing is 

 an abstract, -which is supplied -with his 'Alcoometre.' (See ALCOHOLOMETBY.) It 

 enables one to ascertain, from the observed density at any given temperature, the 

 density at the normal temperature 16-6 C. (60 F.), and hence the strength ; or, vice 

 versa, from the observed density at 60 F. to find the density at any other tem- 

 perature. 



The first vertical column of this Table contains the temperatures, from to 30 C. ; 

 and the first horizontal line the indications of the alcoometre. In the same Table he 

 has most ingeniously inserted a correction of the volume of the spirits -when the 

 temperature differs from 15-5 C. (60 F.). All the numbers printed in small charac- 

 ters, under each real strength, i.e. per-centage of absolute alcohol, indicate the volume 

 which 1,000 litres (the litre being 1-760773 pints) of a spirituous liquor -would have 

 when measured at the temperature at which its apparent strength is given. 



