T. OC. Sloane—Analysis of Bituminous Coal. 287 
number of determinations of ash, using different weights of 
the coal, and got the following widely discordant results: 
a. From 3 grams, 6°66 p.c.; 5. 12 grams, 3°72 p.c¢.; ¢ 1 gram, 
4°67 p. c.; d. 2 grams, 4°40 p. c.; e. 12 grams, 2°63 p. ¢. 
I then took all that was left of the pulverized coal, spread it 
out upon a piece of glazed cloth, and divided it into two parts, 
each of about the same weight. I did this with the usual pre- 
cautions adopted in sampling, so that the coal in each half 
would be exactly the same. One of these parts was ignited 
and incinerated. Its weight was 23-9665 grams. The ash 
weighed ‘9920 grams, or determination f 24 grams nearly, 
‘14 per cent. The other portion was powdered in a porcelain 
mortar until of a full brown color. The ash was deter- 
mined in one gram of it, giving 3°90 per cent, e. 1 gram, 3°90 
per cent. 
I have since this investigation subjected any coal I was 
about to analyze to a fine powdering in a porcelain mortar. I 
am of opinion that it would be well to prolong the operation in 
an agate mortar, but the process is too tedious. ou 
coal be reduced to a brown powder, it is still quite difficult to 
obtain good duplicate results. I give below some instances: 
i 2 
Coal Aiscuc cess 4°50 p. ¢ 4°00 p. ¢ 
ote ate ses "25 5°12 
Wise uses 13°86 14°10 
D 
The ash I generally determine 'in one gram of the coal. If 
the crucible, in which the incineration is taking place be 
supported on the triangle in an inclined position, and if the lid 
be so placed as to direct the exterior zone of the flame into it, 
the operation will be greatly abridged. By looking into the 
erucible while over the burner it can be seen when the 
right position has been reached. The cake of coke will appear 
bright, or ignited, on the surface. From time to time it may 
be rubbed, or broken up if possible, with a platinum wire. 
Before incineration the sample should be ignited in the same 
crucible with the cover on. 
‘The sulphur may be conveniently determined by fusion 
with the salt flux (Fresenius, Vacher’s Ed., p. 127). One gram 
of the coal is fused with a mixture of NaCl 24 grams, NaNO, 
