34 The ratio and Ouzo Process. 



is too much magistr.il, and the torta is said to be too hot, and the 

 temperature is really too high. A little lime is then added 

 which decomposes part of the sulphate of copper and slackens 

 the action. Lime is sometimes replaced by alkaline ashes. If on 

 the contrary, the mercury is perfectly brilliant and not acted on 

 at all, or is broken up into little globules, or if it is of a 

 slightly yellow tinge, the torta is too cold, and more magistral 

 must be added. It is always better to have too little than too 

 much magistral; more can always be added, but too much means 

 a loss of mercury. When the amalgam, limadura de plat a, is 

 in the proper condition, it is in thin scales, which are easily col- 

 lected together into a mass of dry silver amalgam, pas ilia, and 

 mercury is easily pressed from it with the fingers. When it is 

 very thin, so that it easily breaks up into fine globules, it is said 

 to be debit, or weak. When it is hard and crystalline, and so 

 dry that no mercury comes out from it when it is pressed, the 

 amalgam is said to be strong, fuerte, and more mercury 

 must be added. A dirty blackish appearance to either the 

 mercury or amalgam indicates improper working. When the 

 indications of color are all right, but the assay shows that no 

 progress is being made, salt must usually be added. Some- 

 times this condition is only temporary, and is owing to a sudden 

 reduction in the temperature of the air. Generally the defects are 

 owing either to heat or to cold. Excessive heat always signifies 

 a loss in mercury, and should be stopped as quickly as possible 

 by adding cold water or ashes. If the heat is not excessive the 

 torta may be allowed to stand a few days. Cold working is reme- 

 died by the addition of salt, or of sulphate of copper, or by addi- 

 tional treading. To ascertain which of these is required, careful 

 assays must be made. Generally in the commencement, fresh ore 

 or cement copper is used to correct the working, and toward the 

 close cement copper, ashes, or lime. 



When the amalgam is very fluid and easily breaks up into 

 very small globules, and the assay shows that at least 75 per 

 cent, of the silver in the pile is amalgamated, the torta is 

 said to be finished or rendida. Sometimes the assay shows 

 everything to be right, but no progress is made for several 

 days in the amalgamation. This is usually owing to a want of 



