260 MR. G. FOWNES ON THE ARTIFICIAL 



or, in 100 parts, — 



Carbon 54*30 



Hydrogen ....... 3*99 



The theoretical quantities are — 



Carbon 54-35 



Hydrogen 3-93 



Oxalates. — The neutral oxalate is a very soluble salt, crystallizing, when the solu- 

 tion is sufficiently concentrated, in tufts of fine needles, like the hydrochlorate. The 

 binoxalate is very sparingly soluble in the cold, and crystallizes remarkably well 

 when a hot saturated solution is left slowly to cool. It forms transparent plates, like 

 those of oxalate of "urea, which have a strong acid reaction when dissolved, and re- 

 tain their lustre in the dry vacuum. This substance gave on analysis the results 

 stated below, leading to the formula C30 H^gNg Og, 2C2O3+2HO. 



Salt employed .... 4'808 grs. 

 Carbonic acid produced 10-05 grs. 

 Water produced ... 1*76 grs. 



4-85 grs. salt gave of double chloride of platinum and ammonium 5*95 grs., or 

 7-74 per cent, nitrogen. 



Hence, in 100 parts, — 



Carbon 57*01 



Hydrogen 4-06 



Nitrogen 7*74 



Oxygen 31*19 



100*00 

 The theoretical numbers are- 

 Carbon 56*96 



Hydrogen 3-91 



Nitrogen . 7*85 



Oxygen 31*28 



10000 



The acetate is very soluble, and apparently uncrystallizable, or at least ci*ystal- 

 lizable with great difficulty. 



The following is an excellent and easy method of preparing the vegeto-alkali in a 

 state of purity and whiteness. The amide, dried in the air, or better, over oil of 

 vitriol in the vacuum of the air-pump, is thrown into a large quantity of boiling-hot 

 dilute solution of caustic potash contained in a capacious glass flask placed over a 



