149 



i 



There remains in the retort, a thick matter like maltha, and which 

 may, by further exsiccation, be rendered dry and brittle, like as- 

 phaltum ; and by a greater or longer continued heat, may be re- 

 duced to a charcoal. 



The alkalies have but little action on petroleum. The sulphuric 

 acid darkens, thickens, and inflames it ; the same as it does the vo- 

 latile oils. Petroleum readily dissolves sulphur : it becomes coloured 

 by the metallic oxides, and unites with amber, which it softens, 

 and in part, dissolves, by the aid of heat. 



Fourcroy obtained from asphaltum, by distillation, an acid phlegm 

 and a coloured oil, like petroleum. By fusion, he found asphaltum 

 united intimately with sulphur, phosphorus, the fixed and volatile 

 oils, resins, gum-resins, and many of the metallic oxides. Alcohol 

 appeared not to touch it at all ; and ether had an evident, but a 

 feeble action upon it *. 



Yours, &c. 



* Systeme de$ Connoissances Chymiques, torn. viii. p. 238. 



