216 MURIATES AND CHLORIDES. 



hydrous without destroying their subsequent 

 solubility in water, and consequently, without 

 any loss of acid. In such cases, 14*875 lost 

 7*875, which is equivalent to 7 atoms water. 

 The 7 of chloride of calcium remaining are 



ride. 



composed or 



1 atom chlorine 4*5 



1 atom calcium 2'5 



Muriate of 6. Muriate of magnesia. This salt is easily 

 obtained by saturating muriatic acid with mag- 

 nesia. The solution is colourless, has a hot, 

 biting taste, and is not easily crystallized. How- 

 ever, I have obtained it from a manufacturer of 

 Epsom salt in pretty large four-sided prisms, ap- 

 parently with square bases, but too irregular to 

 admit of measurement. These crystals deliquesce 

 when exposed to the air ; they are composed of 



1 atom muriatic acid 4 625 

 1 atom magnesia 2-500 



5 atoms water 5 '625 



12-75 



When exposed to heat in a close vessel, they 

 not only lose their water but a portion also of 

 their acid. However, a considerable portion re- 

 mains undecomposed, and converted into chlo- 

 ride of magnesium. If we make allowance for 



16 



