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solution. Ammonia was found in considerable quantities. 
These substances exist along with the gases, and arc all 
I have hitherto determined. 
Other experiments gave me much more hydrogen, and I 
am prepared for a considerable variation in the amount of 
the several gases. The nitrogen came to a minimum when- 
ever the decomposition became slow. This might be in- 
terpreted in two Avays — first, by the absence of air to 
continue the process ; and second, by absence of the nitrogen 
from the decomposed albuminoids. I do not see from my 
experiments a sufficient proof of the elimination of nitrogen. 
The amount was in a state of constant decrease, suggesting 
a gradual removal of atmospheric air. 
I mentioned that by passing the gas through lead and 
other metallic salts, only a small amount of organic matter 
was collected ; but by passing it through caustic potash the 
amount was considerable. A flocculent matter fell, but the 
chief amount remained in solution. The solution was boiled 
down, and, when heated, a perfectly fresh odour of soup 
was spread through the room ; everything offensive had been 
removed, and the smell was for the first time very agreeable. 
Here we find that the substances sought for are decomposed 
by the very means which we take to retain them. But in 
this experiment we see a demonstration that substances of 
an organic nature pass over with the gases. When strong- 
sulphuric acid was added to the potash solution there was an 
abundant black precipitate of carbon and carbonaceous 
matter. More than enough for an analysis had been made. 
There was a fatty odour from it when sulphuric acid was 
added, leading me to think of Chevreul’s remarks on a 
similar occasion. 
As these compounds were not retained by acid salts, but by 
alkalies, I concluded that they were acids ; but on allowing 
some of the solution to stand for a few hours, I was surprised 
to find that the organic matter had almost disappeared. 
