184 



New Phenomena in Chemistry, 



take from it the improper title of black-lead. The experi- 

 ments of Sir Benjamin Brodie with graphite, his discovery 

 of graphic acid and its combination with ammonia 

 (graphate of ammonia?) afford another analogy ; for molyb- 

 denum has its molybdic acid, and what chemist is there 

 that is not familiar with molybdate of ammonia. I have 

 found that contact of native graphite with an electro-posi- 

 tive amalgam and water or acid, produces the same reac- 

 tion and effervescence, as when a negative metal occupied 

 the place, but an amalgam did not seem to form. 



It would appear that the division of elements into metals 

 and non-metals, is as arbitrary as any other absolute divi- 

 sion or classification in science ; for though the extremes 

 may readily be distinguished, — as gold from fluorine,— 

 the means often approach each other in appearance and in 

 properties. 



Besides forming amalgams of steel and cast-iron, I have 

 succeeded in combining mercury directly with crystalline 

 octahedral iron ore {magnetite), and with other ores and 

 some furnace products. The loadstone exhibited, coated 

 with mercury, is from the Adirondack mountains. Red 

 fossiliferous hematite ore from Georgia is also readily 

 amalgamated. Bog-iron has so far resisted mercury, save 

 one specimen from the state of Florida, which appeared to 

 receive it slightly. The slag, etc., of the Colorado gold- 

 smelting furnaces may also, by means of the compound 

 amalgam, be coated with mercury. Magnesium may be 

 amalgamated with the aid of zinc-amalgam and chlor- 

 hyclric acid ; much heat is evolved, sufficient indeed to burn 

 the hand if laid upon it. Bi-sulphide of carbon, treated 

 with the compound amalgam, is decomposed; sulphides 

 of the alkaline metals result, while another portion of 

 sulphur combines with the mercury, forming true ver- 

 milion. Carbon separates in form resembling graphite. 



