384 • Intelligence and Miscellanies: 



is then to be filtered ; the starch which remains on the filter is 

 washed with small quantities of water, and this being added 

 to the tormer liquid, the whole is gently heated, in order that 

 the hydro-sulphuric acid may be expelled It may be evapo- 

 rated to the spec grav. of 1.5, and the hydriodic acid is thus 

 obtamed pure. — Idem. 



28. Pluranium. — Two new metals have been discovered in 

 the platina of Oural in Russia, by M Osann, to which he has 

 given the name oi pluranium, (formed from the initials oi pla- 

 tina and Ural,) and Ruthenium. {Ruthenia, Russia.) The 

 process for obtaining the first has been published, and the 

 correctness of the inferences which determine the existence 

 of a new metal, has been confirmed by Berzelius. — Idem. 



29. Bichromate of Potash. — The solution of this salt, which 

 is used extensively in djeing at the manufactory of Borrow- 

 field near Glasgow, was found to produce ulcerations upon 

 the hands of the workmen, which without extending much 

 on the surface had so remarkable a tendency to increase in 

 depth, that in one case it perforated the hand from side to 

 side. Some individuals were found to be much more easily 

 affected by it than others. Not only were the hands ulcera- 

 ted, but swelling of the face and inflammation of the eyes were 

 produced Even the simple handling of the stuff, after it 

 came from the vat, was sufficient in the more susceptible 

 cases, to produce eruptions. Other solutions employed in 

 dyeing, occasion sometimes inflammations and various affec- 

 tions of the parts exposed. Thus, the solution of chloride of 

 hme softens and sometimes destroys the nails and causes 

 painful excoriations. 



Guided by these observations. Dr. Cumin employed a sat- 

 urated solution of bichromate of potash in the treatment of 

 warts and syphilitic excrescences. In some instances they 

 disappeared without any ulceration — in others, ulcers were 

 produced, but always circumscribed and easily cured, and in 

 these cases the remedy was more prompt. Dr. C., by this 

 application, in a short time, and without occasioning much 

 pain, cured a female of an immense number of warty erup- 

 tions, which had resisted all other means of treatment. — Idem 

 —Sept, 1828. 



