some new Objects in Chemical Philosophy. 73 
the same quantity of hydrogene, and ail form dry muriates ; 
so that any theory of metallization, applicable to potash and 
soda, must likewise apply to the common metallic oxides. If 
we assume the existence of water in the potash, formed in 
muriatic acid gas, we must likewise infer its existence in the 
oxides of iron and mercury, produced in similar operations. 
The solution of the general question concerning the presence 
of hydrogene in all inflammable bodies, will undoubtedly be 
influenced by the decision upon the nature of the amalgam 
from ammonia and a matter of so much importance ought not 
to be hastily decided upon. The difficulty of finding any mul- 
tiple of the quantity of oxygene, which may be supposed to 
exist in hydrogene, that might be applied to explain the com- 
position of nitrogene from the same basis, is undoubtedly 
against the simplest view of the subject. But still the phlogistic 
explanation, that the metal of ammonia is merely a compound 
of hydrogene and nitrogene ; or that a substance which is 
metallic, can be composed from substances not in their own 
nature metallic, is equally opposed to the general tenour of 
our chemical reasonings. 
I shall not at present, occupy the time of the Society, by 
entering any further into these discussions ; hypothesis can 
scarcely be considered as of any value, except as leading to 
new experiments ; and the objects in the novel field of elec- 
trochemical research, have not been sufficiently examined, to 
enable to decide upon their nature, and their relations, or to 
form any general theory concerning them, which is likely to 
be permanent. 
4VIDCCCX. 
L 
