407 



Dr. Apjohn read a paper on the subject of an essential 

 oil not long since observed during the rectification of common 

 whiskey. This substance he received in December, 1838, 

 from Mr. Scanlan, who had it from Mr. Bowerbank, an emi- 

 nent London rectifier. Shortly previous to this time, it was 

 observed by Mr. Eneas Coffey, the inventor of the cele- 

 brated patent still, in the faint receiver at the extensive 

 distillery of Sir Felix Booth ; and Mr. Scanlan himself, upon 

 coming over to Dublin, and visiting the establishment of 

 Mr. Busby, at Blackpitts, recognized this same oil precisely 

 where it was observed by Mr. Coffey, namely, in the vessel 

 into which the weak spirit which comes over towards the 

 close of the distillation is conducted. 



Dr. Apjohn stated in detail the properties of this fluid, and 

 the experiments which he made with the view of determining 

 its composition. It was burned in the usual way with oxide 

 of copper, and gave, as the means of three separate experi- 

 ments, the following results : — 



Carbon 68.13 



Hydrogen . . . 13.33 

 Oxygen .... 13.54 



100 



The most simple formula corresponding nearly with 

 these results is c 5 h 6 o, and it was therefore that which he 

 adopted. Assuming it as the true one, the composition of 

 the oil would be, — 



Carbon 68.60 



Hydrogen . . . 13.45 

 Oxygen .... 17.95 



100 



The deficiency in the carbon, experimentally determined, 

 is not greater than what usually takes place. But the error 



2m2 



