Existence of Radicals in the Amphide Salts disproved. 257 
indifferent to the passing current, unless it be itself a compound of more 
elementary ions, and so subject to actual decomposition.” 
“Tf, therefore, an ion pass towards one of the electrodes, another 
ion must also be passing simultaneously to the other electrode, although, 
from secondary action, it may not make its appearance.” 
81. In explanation of the mixed precipitates produced upon 
the membrane, I suggest that the hydrated oxide resulted from 
chemical reaction between the alkali and acid, the oxide from 
the oxygen of the water or potassa acting as a cathion in place 
of that of the oxide of copper: also that the metallic copper is to 
be attributed to the solutions acting both as conductors and as 
electrolytes ; so that, at the membrane, two feeble electrodes were 
formed, which enabled a portion of the copper to be discharged. 
without combining with an anion, and a portion of oxygen to 
be discharged without uniting with a cathion. In this expla- 
nation I am supported by the author’s account of a well known 
experiment by Faraday, in which a solution of magnesia and 
water was made to act as electrodes at their surfaces respectively. 
82. There can, I think, be no better proof that no reliance 
should be placed on the experiments with membranes, in this and 
other cases where the existence of compound radicals in acids is 
to be tested, than the error into which an investigator, so saga- 
cious as my friend Professor Daniell, has been led, in explaining 
the complicated results. ; 
83. The association of two electrolytes, and the chemical re- 
action between the potassa and acid, which is admitted to have 
evolved the hydrated oxide, seem rather to have created difficul- 
ties than to have removed them. 
84. In this view of the subject, I am supported by the opinion 
of Faraday, as expressed in the following language :— 
‘** When other metallic solutions are used, containing, for instance, 
peroxides, as that of copper combined with this or any decomposable 
acid, still more complicated results will be obtained, which, viewed 
as the direct results of electro-chemical action, will, in their proportions, 
present nothing but confusion; but will appear perfectly harmoni- 
ous and simple, if they be considered as secondary results, and 
will accord in their proportions with the oxygen and hydrogen evolved 
from water by the action of a definite quantity of electricity.” 
85. I cannot conceive, that in any point of view the complica- 
ted and “‘confused” results of the experiment of Daniell with 
electrolytes separated by membranes, are rendered more intelli- 
Vol. xtv, No. 2.—July-Sept. 1843. 33 
