E. Nickles on Amorphous Phosphorus. | 245 
The following are the details of the process, A little sulphu- 
ret of carbon is introduced into the retort in which the trans- 
formation has been effected. If the material, which usually 
adheres strongly, does not detach itself, the bottom of the retort 
‘is put into warm water. The disaggregation of the material 
takes place immediately, and is attended with a slight noise. As 
soon as the phosphorus is detached, the saline solution is added ; 
the vessel is then closed and shaken, and at the end of ten 
minutes the separation of the two is accomplished. If the 
Three washings of this kind, will remove every trace of the 
ordinary phosphorus, however large the proportion. (ca 
_ After separating the two liquids by decantation, it is only 
Recessary to turn upon a piece of linen cloth, the saline solution 
containing the red phosphorus. The purity of the product is so 
perfect, that it is useless to boil it with a solution o caustic pot- 
ash, the common method. The whole is com leted in half an 
hour ; and what is also important, it is attended with no danger, 
for the operation by being carried on in a close vessel, does not 
allow of the vaporization of the sulphuret of carbon and a 
oe, Sk of the inflammable phosphorus. __ : 
cent observations have shown that the inhalation of the 
Vapor of sulphuret of carbon is not without injury to the health; 
orkmen employed in the caoutchouc manufacture have suffer 
x 
Oe eenial da 
double advantage from this point of view, it diminishing the 
quantity of sulphuret of carbon used and the chances of its 
inhalation. 
Chemists will see the value of the mode of separating solid 
‘substances of different specific gravities, mentioned above—a 
method not requiring heat nor a direct solvent, and being both 
fasy and expeditious. 
