110 Scientific Intelligence. 
acid. The air, which had thus acquired the odor and other reactions of’ 
ozone was then passed through a solution of potash; by which sig 
it lost its peculiar properties while the potash solution was found to 
tain a salt having the reactions of a nitrite. 
As I suggested in this Journal in 1848, 1 conceive gaseous nitrogen 
to be the anhydrid amid or nitryl of nitrous acid; which in contact with 
tion in order to isolate the other. Certain reducing agents which convert 
nitrous acid into ammonia may thus tes nitrogen (NN) into 2NH,. 
In this way I explain the action of nascent hydrogen in forming ammoni ia 
with atmospheric nitrogen in presence of oxydizing metals and alkalies. 
(Zinc in presence of a heated solution = — readily reduces nitrates 
and nitrites with the evolution of ammo 
ow an agent which instead of aGeakliy the nitrous acid would de- 
oe the a formed ammonia would permit us to isolate the nitrous 
au has shown that nascent oxygen is such an agent, at once 
oun ammonia with dbirdi ation of nitrate (nitrite ?) of ammonia, and 
thus when ozone (nascent oxygen) is brought in contact with moist air 
both of the atoms of nitrogen in the nitryl (NN) appear in the oxydized 
state. 
From this view it follows that the odor and most of the reactions as- 
cribed to ozone are due to nitrous acid which is liberated by the decom- 
ngrtes of ea heric nitrogen in presence of water and nascent oxygen. 
e have thus a key to a new theory of nitrification and an explanation 
of the acpeitaial of Cloez on the slow formation of nitrite by the action 
of air exempt from ammonia upon porous bodies moistened with alkaline 
solutions. I hope soon to send you the results of my farther inquiries in 
this matter. 
New Books : 
9. Die Lehre vom Galvanismus und Electro-magnetismus, von Gustav 
Wievemany. Braunschweig, 1861. 8°.—The first volume of an elabo- 
er the above title. The work is in all respects admirably executed 
rein hpaaition! as well as from an experimental preg of Sea - serious 
defect is the want of a complete and detailed table of contents or index, 
which would render the work much more convenient for the purposes of 
reference. The work is much too elaborate and extensive for a text 
book, but it presents so complete a view of the present state of the your 
that it will prove most valuable to the ee student. It is to be 
hoped that the —_— pan will speedily appea Ge 
» Der Elec netismus von JULIUS os. "Berlin, ee 
tively narrow field, Atos work is veitonaive and sneobaghi and forms a most 
valuable contribution to our scientific literature. Prof, Riess” admirable 
