OHEMISTEY OF THE WASHOE PEOCESS. 



281 



From the amount and fineness of the bullion the actual value of the gold 

 and silver obtained from each charge is determined. 



For the purposes of comparison it was considered desirable to maintain, 

 as far as practicable, the same conditions in each trial ; for this reason, there 

 is very little variety in the treatment w^ith chemical agents, or the duration 

 of the operations. The relative amounts of salt and sulphate of copper em- 

 ployed have in every case been the same ; one-half the quantity by weight of 

 the latter to that of the former. 



A large excess of mercury and reagents were used in order to point out 

 any marked differences in the results, and at the same time to obtain the 

 greatest possible yield of the precious metals, without regard to the purity of 

 the bullion, or the practical advantage of the method. 



The results are given in the accompanying tables; they are recorded pre- 

 cisely as they occurred, although there are in some instances apparent errors. 



36 



