OXALIC ACID. 101 



being always in the same state, it is of impor- 

 tance to know with precision the weight of them 

 capable of neutralizing an atom of each of the 

 bases. The following experiments were made 

 to determine this point. 



1. Nine grains of crystals of oxalic acid were c 

 dissolved in distilled water, neutralized by am- crystals. 

 monia, and evaporated to dryness by a very 

 gentle heat, in order to get rid of all excess of 

 ammonia. The oxalate of ammonia, thus formed, 

 was redissolved in water. 



6*5 grains of pure calcareous spar were dis- 

 solved in very dilute muriatic acid ; the solution 

 was slowly evaporated to dryness, twice succes- 

 sively, in order to drive off* any excess of acid 

 which might have been present ; and the muriate 

 of lime, thus rendered neutral, was redissolved 

 in water. 



These two solutions being mixed together, a 

 double decomposition took place, and the inso- 

 luble oxalate of lime gradually precipitated to 

 the bottom, leaving a clear and transparent li- 

 quor, containing in solution the muriate of am- 

 monia formed by the mutual decomposition of 

 the two salts. This liquid, being tested by oxa- 

 late of ammonia and by muriate of lime, was 

 not affected by either of these reagents, showing 

 that it contained no sensible quantity either of 

 lime or of oxalic acid. From this experiment it 



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