538 Transactions.—Chemistry. 
absorbed by charcoal, is as I have already shown,* also given off, and as a 
hydride, when the charcoal containing it is connected voltaically with zine 
in suitable acids, whereas hot aqueous solutions of potash do not seem to 
dissolve this sulphur. It appears, therefore, that the character of the 
absorption of sulphur by charcoal is the same as that of the absorption of 
antimony and arsenic by this substance. 
In examining for minute quantities of either antimony or arsenic by 
Reinsch’s or Marshe’s test, I would recommend that the acids used for this 
(even though purporting to be free from these metals) be filtered through 
fresh charcoal just before using them, as they frequently extract small 
quantities of these impurities from the bottles in which they are stored. 
Art. XLV.—On the Solubility of the Alkalies in Ether. By Wrt1am Sxey, 
Analyst to the Geological Survey of New Zealand. © 
[Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 29th January, 1876.] 
Ir has hitherto been supposed by chemists that the alkalies are insoluble in 
ether, but, having been led to doubt the truth of this supposition, from 
observing certain facts which lately came under my notice, I at once set to 
work to investigate the matter, and, as it is one of some importance in 
connection with toxicological examinations, I think it proper to submit the 
results to you. 
My experiments for this purpose were performed both with hydrous 
and anhydrous ether. 
Taking first the hydrous ether, that is the commercial article and that 
which we really have to deal with in the kind of examinations above alluded 
to, L agitated separate portions ofit with an aqueous solution of caustic potash 
and carbonate of soda (common soda), then decanted the ether off into 
clean test tubes, and again from these tubes into platina vessels. I then 
allowed the liquids to evaporate, when I found the residues resulting from 
this had a very alkaline reaction, and which was persistent when they were 
gently ignited, and dissolved in water, clearly showing that a fixed alkali 
Was present in both cases in a free state, or at least as a carbonate. Both 
magnesia and lime also dissolve in this kind of ether to a notable extent. 
Bi-carbonate of soda, however, hardly appears to do, Be if so, only in 
minute quantities. 
In regard now to the solvent power of ether itself, that is the anhy- 
drous substance, I find that, when this is mixed with dry potassic hydrate, 
allowed to clear and then decanted off, a marked alkaline reaction is also 
* London Chemical News,” Vol. XXVIL., p. 116, 
