416 Scientific Intelligence. 
sesquioxyd of iron is entirely converted in sesquichlorid. Deville suggests 
* P 
9. On a new characteristic a “te so-called Semi- mgoor by Prof. is EROME 
Nicxiés. (Communicated by author.) ——The so-called semi-metals 
stand between the metals dd metalloids marking this stdgition between 
these two classes of elements. They share with the first: 1. The er 
lustre ; 2. Conductivity of heat; 3. Conductivity for bopertac 4, Dens 
With the metalloids they possess the property being scidifible 
2. of forming only feeble salifiable bases; 3. of Site easily with the 
metals in the manner of an electro- negative body; 4. some of them 
form a gaseous compound with hydro 
These characters are not absolute, a oilnites them the semi-metals may 
vary among themselves as much as they differ from other elements—but 
notice a consideration which enables us to determine nearly where the 
series of semi-metals begins and ends. 
The idea of madlleability is the one which attaches itself most forcibly 
= our notice of a metal. The word metal involuntarily recalls a boay 
rous, heavy, capable of being hammered and drawn into leaves and 
nnd or extended in the rolls. 
Viewed from this side we find certain of the metallic elements which pos- 
are those which we know as acidifiable metals, Among them we find tel- 
its want of tenacity and its brittleness, peculiarities common to 
other elements of a metallic lustre which we call semi-metals. i 
Wanting tenacity, these reg ought consequently to eer lit ee 
elasticity and sonorousness; but these characters are less 0 bvious ap de 
uire experiments to determine en while it is easy to recognize 
character of brittleness = want of tenacity. al 
We propose therefore to consider as semi-metals those metallic ork 
ments La are abil ductile or malleable, in other words, the 
metals, 
Nancy, 28d August, 1861. 
Trcanicat CHEMistTRy. H.W. 
10. On the Coloring Matters Derived from Ooal-Tar ; by Mr. eth 
gg F.C.S. (A lecture delivened before the flowden} C Chea yah 
cireumstances similar to those which give rise to fuchsine. MM. - 
V. de Luynes, and Salvétat, give the following account of its preparation 
and properties :—“ Nine grammes of bichlorid of tin and 1 6 grammes of 
