JMiscellanies. 351 
4. Hydruret of Sulphur.—M. Thenard read to the French acad- 
emy, onthe 28th of November last, a memoir on hydrogenated 
sulphur or hydruret of sulphur. This substance was first observed 
by Scheele, who obtained it by pouring hydro-sulphuret of potash, 
into an excess of diluted hydrochloric acid. It is in the form of a 
yellowish liquid of an oily consistence, and an unpleasant odor. 
Scheele and Berthollet determined that it is heavier than water, and 
insoluble in that liquid, that it undergoes spontaneous decomposition 
at common temperatures, and that acids of moderate strength, far from 
destroying it, give it consistence. 
M. Thenard, in subjecting it to a new examination, has discovered 
in it the following properties; applied to the tongue, it produces the 
same effect as the binoxide of hydrogen, viz. to whitensit and produce 
a painful blister. It spread over the.skin, it discolors and injures it. 
It readily destroys the color of tournsol. It is of variable consistence, 
sometimes like that of common oil, and at others like an essential oil, 
depending apparently upon the relative quantities of sulphur and hy- 
droger which it contains. Its density probably changes from a sim- 
ilar cause. In one case in which its fluidity was imperfect, it was 
found to be equal to 1.769. 
The hydruret of sulphur does not congeal at a cold of 20° (Cent.) 
The heat of boiling water promptly decomposes it, the liquid being 
transformed into sulphuretted hydrogen gas, which flies off, and 
leaves a residuum of sulphur. When left to itself, it undergoes a grad- 
ual change. If pure, the residuum is nothing but sulphur, which is 
at“first soft, but at length becomes solid. 
The air has no action upon it in ordinary circumstances, but on 
the approach of a lighted taper, it inflames, the hydrogen forms water, 
and the sulphur, sulphurous acid. 
Charcoal, in fine powder, occasions a rapid TSceERagOON: of sul- 
phuretted hydrogen. 
Platinum, gold, iridium, and several other metals in powder, pro- 
duce a similar effect. Various oxides, in powder, have the same 
property, being attended with a strong effervescence. Such are the 
effects of peroxide of manganese, baryta, magnesia, strontia, lime, 
potash andsoda. ‘The two latter have the remarkable property of 
producing the same phenomenon when in a state of solution. 
Oxides which part readily with their oxygen, are instantly redu- 
ced by the hydruret of sulphur, with the production of water and 
with incandescence. ' 
, 
