302 Extrication of the Alkalijiahle Metals, Sfc. 



with a reserv^oir of hydrogen by means of a flexible lead pipe. 

 The length of the tube prevented the alembic, or receiver, from 

 being subjected to the agitation which results from the condensa- 

 tion of the mercurial vapor. Before closing the juncture com- 

 pletely, all the air of the alembic was expelled by a current of 

 hydrogen, desiccated in its passage by a mingled mass of chloride 

 of calcium and quicklime contained in the adopter. By keeping 

 up the communication with the reservoir of this gas, while sub- 

 jected to a column of about an inch or two of water, the pressure 

 within the alembic being greater than without, there could be no 

 access of atmospheric oxygen. 



The bottom of the alembic was protected by a stout capsule of 

 iron, (a cast iron mortar, for instance.) The next step was to 

 surround it with ignited charcoal, in a chauffer or small furnace, 

 taking care to cause the heat to be the greatest at the upper part. 

 By these means, and the protection afforded by the mortar, the 

 ebullition of the mercury may be restricted to the part of its mass 

 nearest to the upper surface. Without this precaution, this metal 

 is liable to be thrown into a state of explosive vaporization, by 

 which it is driven out of the crucible, carrying with it any other 

 metal with which it may be united. 



On the first application of the fire, the caoutchouchine distilled 

 into the receiver. Next followed the naphtha from the body of 

 the alembic. Lastly, the mercury of the amalgam distilled ; the 

 last portions requiring a bright red heat, in consequence of the 

 affinity between the metal and the alkalifiable radical. 



After the distillation was finished, the apparatus having been 

 well refrigerated, the alembic was opened and the crucible re- 

 moved. As soon as the lid was taken off, some naphtha was 

 poured between the rim of the capsule and sides of the crucible, 

 so as to reach the metal below. This was found adhering to the 

 bottom of the crucible. 



When the heat was insufficient to carry off all the mercury, 

 the metal was found in a state somewhat resembling metallic 

 arsenic in texture, though its susceptibiUty of oxidation, and its 

 affinity for carbon, caused it to be deficient of metallic lustre, 

 until the surface was removed by the file or burnisher. 



Properties of the Metals obtained by the processes above mentioned. 



Either metal was rapidly oxydized in water, or in any liquid 



containing it ; and afterwards, with tests, gave the appropriate 



