62 PHOSPHORATED HYDROGEN GAS. 



the most important functions of an acid, reddening 

 vegetable blues, and combining with alkalis. The 

 hydro-sulphurets are formed by passing a stream of 

 this gas through solutions of the alkalis. 



Phosphorated Hydrogen Gas, 



This gas consists of hydrogen and phosphorus. 

 It is so combustible that it inflames by mere con- 

 tact of atmospheric air. It has a very disagreeable 

 smell, like that of putrid fish. 



To procure it artificially, put one part of phos- 

 phorus and ten of a concentrated solution of potass, 

 into a glass retort, and apply a gentle heat. When 

 the mixture boils, the gas will come over, and may 

 be collected in the pneumatic apparatus. 



In preparing this gas, the body of the retort 

 should be filled as nearly as possible with the mix- 

 ture, otherwise the first portion of the gas, finding 

 atmospheric air in the retort, inflames, a vacuum 

 is produced, and the water is forced up into the 

 retort, endangering the bursting of it. 



If the bubbles of air which are formed in the 

 retort are suffered to escape into the atmosphere, 

 they will inflame instantly with a slight explosion; 

 at the same time a beautiful dense white circular 

 ring of smoke rises, and gradually enlarges as it 

 ascends. 



This gas maybe made to burn under the surface 

 of water. Put into a deep glass some phosphuret 

 of lime, and half the quantity of oxy-muriate of 

 potass : fill the vessel with water. Procure a long- 

 necked glass funnel and plunge it into the vessel, 

 putting it down to the bottom. Take some con- 



