THE METHODS OF MICROCHEMICAL QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS 255 



IV. The reagent solution is drawn in a narrow channel across a 

 dry film obtained by evaporating to dryness a solution of the sub- 

 stance to be tested. 



Reactions requiring a nice adjustment of concentration or 

 leading to the formation of moderately soluble compounds, thus 

 entailing a considerable loss of time waiting for the formation of 

 crystals, if much liquid were present, are always best performed 

 on the dry residue. Residues for such reactions should consist 

 of thin, uniform films of material and are to be obtained only 

 when scrupulously clean slides are employed, when only a small 

 amount of the substance is present and when care is taken to 

 avoid heating too hot during the evaporation. Gentle heating and 

 blowing on the warm drop will give the best results. Heating 

 should be done at the corner of the object slide over the tiny flame 

 of the micro-burner, tipping the object slide so as to cause the 

 drop to flow toward the corner and holding above the flame in such 

 a position that the tip of the flame is nearer the middle of the 

 slide. This prevents the liquid from creeping and from spreading. 



It is usually advisable to examine this film under a low power 

 to learn whether it is thin and uniform in character. 



In cases where a ridge of the solid material tends to form around 

 the edge, as will be the case if too much substance has been used, 

 it is advisable to remove this ridge by means of the platinum 

 spatula (Fig. 68), using it shovel- wise. The reagent is dissolved 

 in a tiny drop of water placed just beside the dried test drop, and 

 is then drawn across the latter with a quick stroke of a glass 

 rod with drawn-out end, care being taken to avoid rubbing the 

 slide in leading the reagent across. To facilitate the flow, the 

 slide should be inclined a trifle in the direction the liquid is being 

 drawn. The solution should never spread over the entire film 

 of substance, but should remain as a streak of liquid dividing the 

 dry spot in half. When the liquid completely covers the residue, 

 it is usually due to one or more of several causes : too thick a film ; 

 a slide that is not clean; heating after the residue was dry and 

 so detaching it from the glass; too much reagent, or the presence 

 of excessively soluble compounds or those which refuse to adhere 

 to the glass. 



