•12 On the Decomposition and Composition 



a lower degree of oxygenation, — and which becomes potash 

 by being exposed to water, or by being again heated in fresh 

 quantities of air. 



The substance consisting of the basis of potash combined 

 with an under proportion of oxygen, may likewise be 

 formed by fusing dry potash and its basis together under 

 proper circumstances.— The basis rapidly loses its metallic 

 splendour; the two substances unite into a compound, of a 

 red-brown colour when fluid, and of a dark gray hue when 

 solid ; and this compound soon absorbs its full proportion 

 of oxygen when exposed to the air, and is wholly converted 

 into potash. 



And the same bodv is often formed in the analytical ex- 

 periments when the action of the electricity is intense, and 

 the potash much heated. 



The basis of potash when introduced into oxymuriatic 

 acid gas burns spontaneously with a bright red light, and a 

 white salt proving to be muriate of potash is formed. 



When a globule is heated in hydrogen at a degree below 

 its point of vaporization, it seems to dissolve in it, for the 

 globule diminishes in volume, and the gas explodes with 

 alkaline fumes and bright light, when suffered to pass into 

 the air; but by cooling, this spontaneous detonating, pro- 

 perty is destroyed, and the basis is either wholly or princi- 

 pals deposited. 



The action of the basis of potash on water exposed to the 

 atmosphere is connected with some beautiful phenomena. 

 When it is thrown upon water, or when it is brought into 

 contact with a drop of water at common temperatures, it 

 decomposes it with great violence, an instantaneous explo- 

 sion is produced with brilliant flame, and a solution of pure 

 potash is the result. 



In experiments of this kind, an appearance often occurs 

 similar to that produced by the combustion of phosphuret- 

 ted hvdrogen ; a white ring of smoke, which gradually ex- 

 tends as it rises into the air. 



When water is made to act upon the basis of potash out 



of the contact of air and preserved by means of a glass tube 



under naphtha, the decomposition is violent ', and there is 



2 much 



