102 On the Decomposition and Composition 



naphtha of specific gravity -861. This circumstance enabled 

 me to ascertain the point with precision. 1 mixed together 

 oil of sassafras and naphtha, which combine very perfectly, 

 observing the proportions till I had composed a fluid, in 

 which it remained at rest above or below; and this fluid 

 consisted of nearly twelve parts naphtha, and five of oil of 

 sassafras, which gives a specific gravity to that of water, 

 nearly as nine to ten, or more accurately as '9348 to 1. 



The basis of soda has a much higher point of fusion than 

 the basis of potash ; its parts begin to lose their cohesion at 

 about 120° Fahrenheit, and it is a perfect fluid at about 180°, 

 so that it readily fuses under boiling" naphtha. 



I have not yet been able to ascertain at what degree of heat 

 it is volatile; but it remains fixed in a state of ignition at 

 the point of fusion of plate glass. 



The chemical phoenomena produced by the basis of soda, 

 are analogous to those produced by the basis of potash; but 

 with such characteristic differences as Might be well expected. 



When the basis of soda is exposed to the atmosphere, it 

 immediately tarnishes, and by degrees becomes covered with 

 a white crust, which deliquesces much more slowly than 

 the substance which forms on the basis of potash. It proves, 

 on minute examination, to be pure soda. 



The basis of soda combines with oxygen slowly, and 

 without luminous appearance at all common temperatures; 

 and when heated, this combination becomes more rapid ; 

 but no light is emitted till it has acquired a temperature 

 nearly that of ignition. 



The flame that it produces in oxygen gas is white, and it 

 sends forth bright sparks, occasioning a very beautiful effect; 

 in common air., it burns with light of the colour of that 

 produced during the combustion of charcoal, but much 

 brighter. 



The basis of soda when heated in hydrogen seemed to 

 have no action upon it. When introduced into oxymuriatic 

 acid gas, it burnt vividly with numerous scintillations of a' 

 bright red colour. Saline matter was formed in this com- 

 bustion, which, as might have been expected, proved to be, 

 muriate of soda. 



Its 



