Evzistence of Radicals in the Amphide Salis disproved. 247 
the mollusca having been enclosed at the period of its formation. 
A microscopical examination detects with a low power innume- 
rable portions of the nacreous lamine of the shells of extreme 
thinness, intermingled with the carbonaceous matter, together 
with numerous siliceous spiculz of sponges, very minute spines 
of echinoderms and fragments of Polyparia; these extraneous 
bodies probably became entangled among the soft animal matter 
before the latter had undergone decomposition. 
If my inferences be deemed correct, the term molluskite would 
be a proper designation for the substance in question. 
N. B. This memoir was illustrated by drawings and numerous 
specimens of the molluskite, in some instances forming large 
amorphous carbonaceous masses in the sandstone, and in others 
filling the shells of the Trigoniz, Terebratule, &c.* 
Crescent Lodge, Clapham Common, (Eng.) January, 1843. 
Art. IIl.—An effort to refute the arguments advanced in favor 
of the E'xistence, in the Amphide Salts, of Radicals consist- 
ing, like Cyanogen, of more than one element; by Roserr 
Hare, M. D., Prof. Chem. Univ. Pennsylvania. 
(Concluded from p. 65.) 
46. Respecting the new principles which I have been contest- 
ing, Dr. Kane alleges “that the elegance and simplicity with 
which the laws of saline combination may be traced from them 
is remarkable,” because he conceives, that without an appeal to 
those principles, the fact that the number of equivalents of acid 
in a salt are proportionable to the number of equivalents of oxy- 
gen in the base, would be inexplicable. 
47. 'Thus, when the base is a protoxide, we have one atom of 
the protoxide of hydrogen to take its place; when the base is a 
sesquioxide (two of radical and three of oxygen,) three atoms of 
the protoxide of hydrogen take its place : if the base be a bioxide, 
two atoms of the protoxide of hydrogen take its place. 
* Dr. Mantell has been so kind as to forward to us, in illustration of his memoir, 
very distinct and satisfactory specimens of the molluskite, together with ammo- 
nites from the Kimmeridge clay, having elongated beaks in good preservation ; 
also belemnites with their chambers preserved.—Eps. 
