452 
Mr. Faraday on new compounds 
would approximate of course to a simple carburet of hydrogen 
containing single proportionals. 
New carburet of hydrogen. 
Of the various other products from the condensed liquor, 
the next most definite to the bi-carburet of hydrogen appears 
to be that which is most volatile. If a portion of the original 
liquid be warmed by the hand, or otherwise, and the vapour 
which passes off be passed through a tube at o°, very little 
uncondensed vapour will go on to the mercurial trough ; but 
there will be found after a time a portion of fluid in the 
tube, distinguished by the following properties. Though a 
liquid at o°, it upon slight elevation of temperature begins to 
boil, and before it has attained 32°, is all resolved into vapour 
or gas, which may be received and preserved over mercury. 
This gas is very combustible, and burns with a brilliant 
flame. The specific gravity of the portion I obtained was 
between 27 and 28, hydrogen being 1 : for 39 cubic inches 
introduced into an exhausted glass globe were found to in- 
crease its weight 22.4 grains at 60° F. bar. 29.94. Hence 
100 cubic inches weigh nearly 57.44 grains. 
When cooled to 0° it condensed again, and inclosed in this 
state in a tube of known capacity, and hermetically sealed 
up, the bulk of a given weight of the substance at common 
temperatures was ascertained. This compared with water 
gave the specific gravity of the liquid as 0.627 Rt 54°. It is 
therefore among solids or liquids the lightest body known. 
This gas or vapour when agitated with water is absorbed 
in small quantities. Alcohol dissolves it in large quantity ; 
and a solution is obtained, which, upon the addition of water. 
