* a 
b Bo * 
a  * Sua” 4 
302 Extrication of the Alkalifiable Metals, 6. 
with a reservéif ofthydrogen. by means of a flexible lead pipe. 
The length of the,tube prevented the alembic, or receiver, from 
being subjected to the agitation which results from the condensa- 
tion of the mercurial vapor. Before closing the juncture com- 
pletely, all the air of the alembic was expelled by a currentof 
hydrogen, — in its passage by a mingled mass of chloride 
- of calcium and quicklime contained in the addpter. By keeping 
up the communication with the reservoir of this gas,,while sub- 
jected to a column of about an inch or two of water, the pressure 
within the alembic being greater than without, there could be no 
access of atmospheric oxygen. 
The bottom of the alembic was protected by a stout capsule of 
iron, ”, iron mortar, for instance.). The next step was to 
surround it with ignited charcoal, in a chauffer or small furnace, 
taking care to cause the heat to be the greatest at the upper part. 
By these means, and the protection afforded by the mortar, the 
ebullition of the mercury may be restricted to the part of its mass 
nearest to the upper surface. Without this precaution, this metal 
is liable to be thrown into a state of explosive vaporization, by 
which it is driven out of the crucible, carrying with it any other 
metal with which it may be united. cnt 
Qn the first application of the fire, the caoutchouchine distilled 
into the receiver. Next followed the naphtha from thé”body of 
the alembic. Lastly, the mercury of the amalgam distilleds the 
last portions requiring a bright red heat, in consequence of the 
affinity between the metal and the alkalifiable radical. *" 
After the distillation was finished, the apparatus having*been 
well refrigerated, the alembic was opened and the crucible re- 
moved. As soon as the lid was taken off, some naphtha was 
poured between the rim of the capsule and sides of the crucible, 
so as to reach the metal below. ‘This was found adhering the 
bottom of the crucible. 
When the heat was insufficient to carry off all the mercury, 
the metal was found in a state somewhat resembling metallic 
arsenic in texture, though its susceptibility of oxidation, and its 
affinity for carbon, caused it to be deficient of metallic lustre, 
until the surface was removed by the file or burnisher. 
Properties of the Metals obtained by the processes above mentioned: 
Either metal was rapidly oxydized in water, or in any wee 
containing it; and afterwards, with tests, gave the approptl@ 
* 
