of the fixed Alkalis. : 133 



And as Far as our knowledge of the composition of bodies 

 extends, all substances attracted by positive electricity are 

 oxygen, or such as contain oxygen in excess; and all that 

 are attracted by negative electricity are pure combustibles, 

 pr such as consist chiefly of combustible matter. 



The idea of muriatic acid, fluoric acid, and boracic acid 

 containing oxygen, is highly strengthened bv these facts. 

 And the general principle confirms the conjecture just stated 

 concerning the nature of the earths. 



In the electrization of boracic acid moistened with, water, 

 I find that a dark-coloured combustible matter is evolved at 

 the negative surface; but the researches upon the alkalis 

 have prevented me from pursuing this fact, which seems 

 however to indicate a decomposition. 



Muriatic acid and fluoric acid in their gaseous states are 

 non-conductors : and as there is every reason to beheve that 

 their bases have a stronger attraction for oxygen than water, 

 there can be little hope of decomposing them in their aqueous 

 solutions, even by the highest powers. In the electrization 

 of some of their combinations there is however a probability 

 of success. 



An immense variety of objects of research is presented in 

 the powers and affinities of the new metals produced from 

 the alkalis. 



In themselves they will undoubtedly prove powerful agents 

 for analysis ; and having an affinity for oxygen stronger than 

 any other known substances, they may possibly supersede 

 the application of electricity to some of the undecompound- 

 ^d bodies. 



The basis of potash I find oxidates in carbonic acid and 

 decomposes it, and produces charcoal when heated in con- 

 tact with carbonate of lime. It likewise oxidates in muriatic 

 acid ; but I have had no opportunity of making the experi- 

 ment with sufficient precision to ascertain the results. 



In sciences kindred to chemistry, the knowledge of the 

 nature of the alkalis, and the analogies arising in conse- 

 quence, will open many new views ; they may lead to the 

 Solution of many problems in geology, and show that agents 



may 



