16 ELECTRO-CHEMISTRY. 



FIG. 3. 



and the positive wire into P, the three cups being 

 connected by means of amianthus- how is it, that 

 when a solution of a neutral salt is put into I, and 

 distilled water into the cups N and P, the neutral 

 salt is decomposed, and in every instance the acid 

 base of the salt is decanted into P, and the alkaline 

 base into N ? * 



The ponderable constituent of the acid in the solu- 

 tion of the neutral salt is attracted to the positive 

 wire in the cup P, and there combining with positive 

 electricity, resumes the properties of the acid ; and 

 the ponderable constituent of the alkali is attracted 

 to the negative wire in the cup N, and there com- 

 bining with negative electricity, resumes its alkaline 

 properties. 



18. When N is filled with a solution of the sul- 

 phate of potash, and the cups I and P with distilled 



* According to the view taken in these notes, of the composi- 

 tion of acids and alkalies, the term base of the acid or base of 

 the alkali is applied to the ponderable elements of those bodies. 



