New Phenomena in Chemistry. 185 



The practical applications of these discoveries are numer- 

 ous. As mercury dissolves iron and its ores, and finally 

 separates the metal from its impurities of silicon, sulphur 

 and phosphorus, it may prove possible to prepare an iron, 

 nearly as pure as that reduced by hydrogen, for medicinal 

 purposes, by distilling the mercury from the amalgam. In 

 accordance with the laws announced, it is evident that 

 plates of amalgamated zinc or iron are superior to plates 

 of copper in effecting the amalgamation of gold, especially 

 if they be treated with proper acid solutions while the 

 stamped ore is being run out over them. Potassium and 

 sodium amalgams are undoubtedly more effective, but can 

 hardly compete with amalgamated zinc-plates in cheapness. 



A great philosopher has said that the results of all experi- 

 ments should be recorded, nothing being worthless that 

 adds to man's knowledge of the properties of matter. It 

 is my hope that the experiments described, and sugges- 

 tions here thrown out, may not be altogether valueless. 



Trans, vii.'] 



24 



