of the fixed Alkalis. 1.5 1 



which of course would increase their volume and their ab- 

 solute weight*. 



In supposing ammonia a triple compound of nitrogen, 

 hydrogen, and oxygen, it is no less easy to give a rational 

 account of the phenomena of its production and decompo- 

 sition, than in adopting the generally received hypothesis of 

 its composition. 



Oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen, are always present in 

 cases in which volatile alkali is formed ; and it usually ap- 

 pears during the decomposition of bodies in which oxygen 

 is loosely attached, as in that of the compounds of oxygen 

 and nitrogen dissolved in water. 



At common temperatures under favourable circumstances, 

 the three elements may be conceived capable of combining 

 and of remaining in union : but at the heat of ignition the 

 affinity of hydrogen for oxygen prevails over the complex 

 attraction, water is formed, and hydrogen and nitrogen are 

 evolved ; and according to these conclusions, ammonia will 

 bear the same relations to the fixed alkalis, as the vegetable 

 acids with compound bases do to the mineral ones with 

 simple bases. 



Oxygen then may be considered as existing in, and as 

 forming, an element in all the true alkalis ; and the prin- 

 ciple of acidity of the French nomenclature might now 

 likewise be called the principle of alkalescence. 



From analogy alone it is reasonable to expect that the al- 

 kaline earths are compounds of a similar nature to the fixed 

 alkalis, peculiar highly combustible metallic bases united 

 to oxygen. I have tried some experiments upon barytes and 

 strontites ; and they go far towards proving that this must 

 be the case. When barytes and strontites, moistened with 

 water, were acted upon by the power of the battery of 250 

 of four and six, there was a vivid action and a brilliant light 

 at both points of communication, and an inflammation at 

 the negative point. 



* In the present state of our knowledge, perfectly correct data for pro- 

 portions cannot probably be gained in any experiments on the decomposition 

 of ammonia, as it seems impossible to ascertain the absolute quantity of water 

 in this gas ; for electrization, according to Dr. Henry's ingenious researches, 

 offers the only means known of ascertaining the quantity of water in gases. 



K4 In 



