400 J. M. Crafts on the Product of the Reaction, &c. 
of condensation of the simple molecule, C,H, S; for in case it 
were composed of such a mixture, the quantity of it which 
would combine with a given quantity of any element must vary 
according as one or another of the different stages of condensa- 
tion predominated in different preparations, 
The sulphid of ethylene is isomerous with a crystallized bod 
obtained by the action of sulphuretted hydrogen on aay ‘ 
and as [ at first suspected that the two bodies were identical, | 
was induced to prepare the latter in order to compare it with the 
subject of my research. It was obtained from aldehyd by the 
process of Weidenbusch, and after having been once distilled 
and separated from its volatile products of decomposition by 
washing with alcohol, it was repeatedly crystallized from various 
solvents, but was usually deposited in the form of silicy fibres, 
much too fine for crystallographic determination. Only once, 
by gradual evaporation of a solution in bisulphid of carbon, 
were crystals obtained of sufficient size for measurement; they 
were in the form of long lamellar prisms with well formed faces, 
which preserved their brilliancy in the air a longer time than 
the sulphid of ethylene, showing that the substance is less vola 
tile at the ordinary temperature. 
According to a determination by Mr. Friedel, the prisms be- 
long to the right rhomboidal system, and have a cleavage paral- 
lel to their base. Two parallel faces are much more largely 
developed than those of the primitive prism, giving to the ery 
tals their lamellar appearance. ; 
Angles measured. Calculated. * 
CP Iee = ° 
oP: acP x» = 137° 40’ 137° 30’ 
CP: 0 P= 9G" 90° 
Two systems of rings are apparent when polarized light 8 
passed through a thin piece obtained by cleavage in ad 
perpendicular to the plane of cleavage. ne 
The solidifying point of this sulphid is not very distinctly 
marked; when a delicate thermometer is plunged into a portion 
which has been melted, the mercury remains stationary an 1 
stant at 95° C., while crystalline flakes are seen to form 1n the 
melted mass, which then becomes soft and solidifies complete! 
only at 70° C. a 
When the body is heated in a retort placed in an oil-bath, oo 
tillation commences at 205° C., but the point of ebullition mS¢ 
gradually to 260°, when a partial decomposition takes place 4m 
a charred mass is left in the retort. sk: 
- The sulphid obtained from aldehyd is destroyed by chloriné 
or bromine with formation of various products. When iM 
with nitric acid, sulphuric acid in notable quantity 18 ; 
formed, but no intermediate product of oxydation, which can © 
