162 OC. M. Wetherilli—Experiments with Ammonium Amalgam. 
not swell, but this phenomenon takes place immediately if a little 
solution of sal-ammoniac be added. It is not, therefore, merel 
hydrogen, Sone a by pothetical metal), in the nascent state whic 
ae the s 
Ex. Sodbain esate: in a solution of ammonia decomposes 
water ‘without swelling ; but this phenomenon ensues immedi- 
Ex. 3°. When the ammonium amalgam i is made in a test tube 
containing a thermometer, a rise of temperature of from 2° to 
3° C. is indicated during the swelling. ‘I'he temperature falls at 
the aga of the swelling. If the turgidity subsides by 
the great affinity of NH, for the wer Hier of the water, 
docompouing the latter with the evolution of h drogen, an ele- 
vation of temperature ought to be maintained until the NH, 
has become converted into 
Ex. 4°. If a test a. be filled with a rere of sal- see 
“pee trifling increase of the volume of the gas, and this increase 
os . to be due to the minute particles of sodium amalgam 
with th 
condition a: 
io Re, 6°. When. the ammonium amaivec i is squeezed through 
apace ‘of muslin it is immedia tely, and without change of tem- 
or other evidence of affinity, resolved into mercury. 
2 te — of ee eesoninn solution be Placed upon a 
pr = ssed apo the whol te amon 
