on the Alcohol of Sulphur, or Sulphuret of Carbon, 193 



diminished in bulk, and as this diminution proceeded, the gas 

 gradually deposited on the surface of the glass a saline yel- 

 lowish substance, which did not exhibit, even with tlie aid of 

 a microscope, the least appearance of crystallization. The 

 mercury having at last filled the receiver, an additional por- 

 tion of ammoniacal gas was introduced, and this was repeated 

 till no further absorption took place. The whole of the sul- 

 phuret of carbon was then found converted into the yellowish 

 uncrystallized matter just described. This substance had a 

 strong smell of ammonia, and was so deliquescent that it could 

 not be transferred from one vessel into another, without un- 

 dergoing an obvious alteration. The solution of this substance 

 in water is first red, but it very soon passes to a deep orange 

 colour, shewing that it undergoes a partial decomposition ; 

 and if it be distilled in its solid, though humid state, it sublimes 

 and deposits small shining crystals of hydrosulphuret of am- 

 monia ; whilst, on the contrary, if it be heated in the same 

 vessel in which it is formed, that is, without any access of air 

 or moisture, the carbosulphuret of ammonia sublimes un- 

 changed, from one part of the vessel to the other, and no 

 vestige of hydrosulphuret is perceived. It appears therefore, 

 that the sulphuret of carbon can enter into combination with 

 pure ammonia without depositing its carbon ; but if moisture 

 or air be admitted, an alkaline hydrosulphuret, or sulphuret is 

 formed, and carbonic acid is generated. 



Carbosulphuret of lime. If some pure quick lime be heated 

 in a glass tube, by means of a lamp, and some sulphuret of 

 carbon in vapour be made to pass through the heated earth, 

 the latter becomes ignited at the moment the vapour comes 

 into contact with it, and this ignition continues till the earth is 



