11 



obtain the corresponding bases in larger quantity, and to examine 

 their derivatives more minutely. 



One of the bases, for the preparation of which this process is par- 

 ticularly applicable, is naphthalidine, or as it is more appropriately 

 called, naphthalamine. Mr. William H. Perkin is engaged in exa- 

 mining the deportment of this substance with chloride of cyanogen, 

 and the following is a summary of the results he has at present 

 obtained. 



Fused naphthalamine, when submitted to the action of chloride of 

 cyanogen, absorbs this gas with great avidity, and is gradually con- 

 verted into a dark resinous mass. This is the hydrochlorate of a 

 new base, which has received the name of menaphthalamine, in con- 

 sequence of the analogy of its origin with that of melaniline, derived 

 by a similar process from aniline. 



Menaphthalamine is separated from the hydrochlorate by potassa, 

 washed and repeatedly recrystallized from alcohol. It contains 



C 42 H 17 N 3 , 

 nd is formed according to the equation 



2C 20 H 9 N + C 2 NCI = C 42 H 17 N 3 HC1. 



Naphthala- Chloride of Hydrochlorate of 

 mine. cyanogen, menaphthalamine. 



Mr. Perkin has verified this formula of menaphthalamine by the 

 analysis of the hydrochlorate and of the platinum salt, which 

 respectively contain 



C 42 H 17 N 3 , HCland 

 C 42 H 17 N 3 , HC1, PtCl 2 . 



Among the various metamorphoses which menaphthalamine un- 

 dergoes under the influence of agents, the deportment of this sub- 

 stance with cyanogen has especially engaged the attention of Mr. 

 Perkin. 



Menaphthalamine, like melaniline, absorbs two equivalents of 

 cyanogen, and is converted into a slightly crystalline buff-coloured 

 substance, which retains feebly basic properties. 



The analysis of this body, which, from its composition, may be 

 termed dicymenaphthalamine, has led to the formula 



