in different chemical Processes on Fluor Spar, 279 



will probably be found lower than those of any other sub- 

 stance, and it appears to possess higher acidifying and satu- 

 rating powers than either oxygen or chlorine. 



It is easy to perceive, in following the above theory, that 

 all the ideas current in chemical authors respecting the fluoric 

 combinations, must be changed. Fluor spar, and other ana- 

 logous substances, for instance, must be regarded as binary 

 compounds of metals and fluorine. 



Many objects of enquiry arise, likewise, from these new 

 views : the topaz contains the fluoric principle, but new ex- 

 periments are required to shew whether that gem is a true 

 silicated fluate of alumina, or a compound of the inflammable 

 bases of alumina and silica with fluorine. 



I have ascertained that the chryolite yields no silicated 

 fluoric gas, when acted on by sulphuric acid, but merely pure 

 fluoric acid ; but I have not continued the research so far, as to 

 determine whether it contains fluorine united to inflammable 

 matter only, or fluorine and oxygen. 



