68 Mr. Fafaday on two new compounds 
substances were lined with crystals, which, on examination 
under the microscope, proved to be quadrangular plates, re- 
sembling those of the perchloride of carbon. There were 
also some rhomboidal crystals here and there. After the 
formation of these crystals, there was considerable absorption 
in the retort; hence chlorine had combined ; and the gas which 
remained was chlorine unmixed with any thing else, except a 
slight impurity. The solid body, on examination, was found 
to be volatile, soluble in alcohol, precipitable by water, and had 
the smell and other properties of perchloride of carbon. 
Hence, though heat in separating chlorine from the perchlo- 
ride of carbon produces its decomposition, light occasions its 
reproduction. 
It dissolves iodine very readily, and forms a brilliant red 
solution, similar in colour to that made by putting iodine into 
sulphuret of carbon, or chloric ether. It does not exert any 
farther action on iodine at common temperatures. 
An electric spark passed through a mixture of the vapour of 
the chloride with hydrogen, does not cause any detonation, 
but when a number are passed, the decomposition is gradually 
effected, and muriatic acid is formed. When hydrogen and 
the vapour of the proto-chloride are passed through a red hot 
tube, there is a complete decomposition effected, muriatic acid 
gas being formed, and charcoal deposited. The mixed vapour 
and gas burn with flame as they arrive in the hot part of the 
tube. The vapour of the proto-chloride detonates readily 
by the electric spark with a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen 
gases, and a complete decomposition is effecied. It will not 
detonate with the vapour of water. 
Sulphur and phosphorus both dissolve in it, but exert no 
