J. L. Smith— Determination of Phosphorus in Iron. 317 
the phosphorus from a nitric acid solution of the iron by an 
acid solution of the molybdate of ammonia, redissolve the 
lysis. 
ith these facts wal established to my mind, I have been 
engaged off and on for two or three years examining the ques- 
tion of the determination of phosphorus in iron and steel, 
making several hundreds of variously modified experiments, 
and repeating the details of processes adopted by different 
chemists. 
I first tried the solution of from one to three grams of 
or steel 
solution, with all the iron present and without separating the 
silica; but the process gave no satisfaction, whatever way the 
me their experience on the subject. 2 
In describing the following method, ultimately adopted as 
affording the most speedy and accurate results, I give but little 
else than slight modifications of methods already employed by 
others, with such detail of manipulation as facilitates uniform 
method of operation.* 
Quantity of iron employed.—It is customary to employ 1 
gram for pig-iron, and 2 to 3 grams for malleable iron and 
steel; but in. my own practice I employ but 1 gram for 
*S. Peters has used a process nearly the same as the Burdon Iron Works, Troy. 
