458 Mr. Faraday on new compounds 
of unknown bodies, and certainly in unknown proportions ; 
yet experiments were made on their composition by passing 
them over oxide of copper, in hopes of results which might 
assist in suggesting correct views of their nature. They all 
appeared to be binary compounds of carbon and hydrogen, 
and the following table exhibits the proportions obtained : 
the first column expressing the boiling temperature at which 
the products were distilled, as before mentioned ; the second 
the hydrogen, made a constant quantity ; and the third the 
carbon. 
140° 
- 
1 
- 
7.58 
150° 
- 
1 
- 
8.38 
160° 
- 
1 
- 
7.90 
176° 
- 
1 
- 
8.25 
190° 
- 
1 
- 
8.76 
200° 
- 
1 
- 
9.17 
210® 
- 
1 
- 
8.91 
220° 
— 
1 
— 
8.46 
These substances generally possess the properties before 
described, as belonging to the bi-carburet of hydrogen. 
They all resist the action of alkali, even that which requires 
a temperature above 250° for its ebullition ; and in that point 
are strongly distinguished from the oils from which they are 
produced. Sulphuric acid acts upon them instantly with 
phenomena already briefly referred to. 
Dr. Henry, whilst detailing the results of his numerous and 
exact experiments in papers laid before the Royal Society, 
mentions in that read February 22, 1821,* the discovery 
♦ Philosophical Transactions. 
