450 ANALYSIS OF THE 



With this view, the entire matter was digested with repeat- 

 ed portions of alkohol, of the specific gravity of 836, until 

 about six times its weight had been employed ; the solvent ac- 

 tion being aided by frequent agitation, and an occasional heat 

 of about 100°. It was then lixiviated with a small portion of 

 distilled water, to remove more effectually from the muriate of 

 soda any adhering muriate of lime. The different liquors be- 

 ing mixed, were evaporated to dryness ; and this dry mass was 

 again submitted to the action of alkohol, more highly rectified, 

 (being of the specific gravity of 825), and in smaller quantity, 

 so as to dissolve only that part of it which was muriate of lime. 

 A small portion of muriate of soda, which had been dissolved 

 in the first digestion, was thus obtained, and was added to the 

 residue of that operation. The whole undissolved matter be- 

 ing dried at a low red heat, weighed while warm 28.5 grains : 

 it was in small grains, having a taste purely saline. The alko- 

 holic solution afforded, by evaporation, a matter which enter- 

 ed into fusion, and which, after being dried at a heat approach- 

 ing to redness, weighed while warm 18.2 grains. It was high- 

 ly deliquescent, so as to increase quickly in weight, and in a 

 short time became humid on the surface. 



These two products were evidently principally muriate of 

 soda, and muriate of lime. But it was necessary to ascertain 

 if they were entirely so, as both of them might contain small 

 portions of other ingredients. 



The matter dissolved by the alkohol, supposing it to be mu- 

 riate of lime, would require for its conversion into sulphate of 

 lime about sixteen grains of sulphuric acid, of the usual 

 strength. Eighteen grains were added with a small portion of 

 distilled water, and heat was applied ; vapours of muriatic acid 

 were discharged : To render the mutual action more com- 

 plete, small portions of water were successively added, the soft 



mass 



