58 Dr. de Crell on the Decomposition 
associate with some than with others of its various component 
parts, and thus produce a separation or change of the latter. 
Besides, as the sedative salt, strong as its operation is (in a high 
degree of heat) upon almost all neutral salts, has but a faint taste 
of acid, it might be supposed, that its acid is contained within 
some unknown species of earth, intimately combined; or within 
some sort of inflammable matter; or, according to a phrase 
used in the new system, there might be a deficiency of acid 
matter ; that, therefore, some more powerful acid would pro- 
bably separate and dissolve the earthy particles, destroy or 
change the inflammable matter, or impart the acid it might be 
supposed to want. 
My choice, among the different acids, was fixed upon that 
particular one which, though not always quick in its operation, 
never fails to penetrate deep into all soluble substances, is 
nearly related to all inflammable bodies, and possesses an 
abundance of acid matter ; I mean the oxygenated muriatic 
acid, prepared with manganese. In the application of this 
menstruum, I resolved to follow the practice established by the 
constant experience of both ancient and modern chemists; 
which has taught us, that difficult decompositions of parts 
closely united, are more easily effected by a gentle, long conti- 
nued, digestive heat, and repeated distillation of the same 
menstruum, than by a heat which is more violent, and operates 
more quickly. 
I first made some preliminary experiments, in order to 
judge what probability there might be of success. 
Experiment i. I poured an ounce and a half of the above- 
mentioned acid upon two drams of sedative salt, in a retort, to 
