of a metallic Substance called Palladium . gog 
But a no less extraordinary instance of irregular density is 
daily before our eyes ; yet it has not so much as attracted our 
attention. It is true that it is taken from among the gases. But, 
if we suppose that we have attained accuracy in experiments 
upon these subjects, I see no reason to refuse their evidence in 
this instance. The density of oxygen gas, to that of water, is as 
1 to 740; and the density of hydrogen gas as 1 to 979 2. The 
mean density of that proportion of oxygen and hydrogen gases 
which constitutes water, is to that of water as 1 to 2098 ; or, 
in other words, water is 2098 times heavier than the mean den- 
sity of its elements in the gaseous state. But water is only 
1200 times heavier than steam, or water in the state of vapour. 
Therefore, there is a variation in -f , of 898, or nearly half, be- 
tween the density of water and its elements, when both are in the 
aeriform state. This fact, however, regards bodies only as they 
remain in the same state, whether of solidity, liquidity, or fluidity. 
The anomaly is much greater, if we contemplate them as they 
pass from one of these states to the other. Yet we must not 
omit the consideration of such a change, in the instance of 
mercury alloyed with platina; for the former metal, before liquid, 
becomes solid as it enters into the new combination. 
A stronger prejudice will perhaps exist against the fixation of 
so volatile a substance as mercury. It is certain that the labours 
of the alchemists have thrown some ridicule upon this subject, 
as a philosophical pursuit. Men of science have long since de- 
clined the research ; and it is not probable that we are indebted 
to experiments undertaken in the true spirit of philosophy, for 
the present fixation of mercury. But, the same cause which in- 
duced us to look upon the project as chimerical, should dispose 
us to admit it when accomplished. Every chemist well knows, 
MDCCCIII. S S 
