XATUIlE AND DECOMPOSITION OF TtlE FIXeD ALKALIS. ^QJ 



•communicates the effect of combustion to any of the basis 

 that may be yet uncombined. 



When a globule confined out of the contact of air is Outofthecon- 

 acted upon by water, the theory of decomposition is very '^^"^'^*"'* 

 simple, the heat produced is rapidly carried oft", so that 

 there is no ignition; and a high temperature being requisite 

 for the solution of the basis in hidrogen, this combination 

 probably does not take place, or at least it can have a mo- 

 mentary existence only. 



The production of alkali in the decomposition of water Moistened twi» 

 by the basis of potash is demonstrated in a very simple and "**^"*^ paper. 

 satisfactory manner by dropping a globule of it upon mois- 

 tened paper tinged with turmeric. At the moment that the 

 globule comes into contact with the water, it burns, and 

 moves rapidly upon the paper, as if in search of moisture, 

 leaving behind it a deep reddish brown trace, and acting 

 lipoa the paper precisely as dry caustic potash. 



So strong is the attraction of the basis of potash for oxi- Decomposes 

 een, and so y;reat the ener^fv of its action upon water, that ^!^'^^"!.^"'l"^'.^" 



f ' » f--. . . tity of water la 



it discovers and decomposes the ssnall quantities of water purified ether 

 contained in alcohol and ether, even wlieu they are carefully ^"'^ alcohol. 

 purified. 



In ether this decomposition is connected with an instruc- Ether. 

 tive result. Potash is insoluble in this fluid; and when 

 the basis of potash is thrown into it, oxigen is furnished to 

 it, and hidrogen gas disengaged, and the alkali as it forms 

 renders the ether white and turbid. 



In both these inflammable compounds the energy of its 

 action is proportional to the quantity of water they contain, 

 and hidrogen and potash are the constant result. 



The basis of potash when, thrown into solutions of the Mineral acids. 

 mineral acids, inflames and burns on the surface. When it 

 is plunged by proper means beneath the surface enveloped 

 in potash, surrounded by naphtha, it acts upon the oxigea 

 with the greatest intensity, and all its effects are such as 

 may be explained from its strong affinity for this substance. 

 In sulphuric acid a white saline substance with a yellow 

 coating, which is probably sulphate of potash surrounded 

 by sulphur, and a gas which has the smell of sulphurous 

 acid, and which probably is a mi.xture of that substance 



wirii 



