14 On the Decomposition and Composition 



contained in alcohol and ether, even when they are carefully 

 puri d. 



In ether this decomposition is connected with an instruc- 

 tive result. Potash is insoluble in this fluid; and when the 

 basis of potash is thrown into it, oxygen is furnished to it, 

 and hydrogen gas disengaged, and the alkal'i as it forms 

 renders the ether white and turbid. 



In both these inflammable compounds the energy of its 

 action is proportional to the quantity of water they contain, 

 and hydrogen and potash are the constant result. 



The basis of potash when thrown into solutions of the- 

 mineral acids, inflames and burns on the surface. When it 

 is plunged by proper means beneath the surface enveloped 

 in potash, surrounded by naphtha, it acts upon the oxygen 

 with the greatest intensity, and all its effects are such as 

 may be explained from its strong affinity for this substance. 

 In sulphuric acid a white saline substance with a yellow 

 coating, which is probably sulphate of potash surrounded by 

 sulphur, and a gas which has the smell of sulphureous acid, 

 and which probably is a mixture of that substance with hy- 

 drogen gas, are formed. In nitrous acid, nitrous gas is 

 disengaged, and nnrate of potash formed. 



The basis of potash readily- combines with the simple in- 

 flammable solids, and with the metals ; with phosphorus 

 and sulphur, it forms compounds similar to the metallic 

 plvisphurets and sulphurets. 



When it is. brought in contact with a piece of phosphorus 

 and pressed upon, there is a considerable action : they be- 

 come fluid together, burn, and produce phosphate of potash, 

 When the experiment is made under naphtha, their combi- 

 nation takes place without the liberation of any elastic mat- 

 ter, and they form a torn pound which has a considerably 

 higher point of fusion than its two constituents, and which 

 remains a soi'r solid in boiling naphtha. In its appearance 

 it perfectly agrees with a metallic phosphuret, it is of the 

 colour of lead, and when spread out has a lustre similar to 

 polished lead. When exposed to air at common tempera- 

 tures, it slowiy combines with oxygen., and become phos- 

 phate 



