258 Vfes of Sulphur.- [Book VI. 



gas called hepatic gas. This gas is precifely the fame, 

 from whatever kind of fulphuret it proceeds ; but none 

 of them afford it unlefs mixed with water. This gas, 

 therefore, proceeds from a decompofition of water, 

 and is found to confift of fulphur diflblved in inflam- 

 mable air. When this gas comes in contact with 

 vital air it is decompofed, the vital air and hydrogen 

 uniting to form water, while the fulphur is precipitated 

 in fmall flakes.' This gas is capable of folution in 

 water, and by thefe means natural fulphureous waters 

 may be imitated. 



The chief ufes to which fulphur is applied are, the 

 making of gunpowder and vitriolic acid. It is alfo 

 ufed in bleaching, and is an article of fome importance 

 in the materia medica. 



