72 Mr. Faraday on two new compounds 
These may, perhaps, be the real perchloride ; but I had not 
time, before the season of bright sunshine passed away, to 
examine minutely what happens in these circumstances ; and 
must defer this, with many other points, till the next year 
brings more favourable weather. 
Compound of Iodine, Carbon , and Hydrogen. 
The analogy which exists between chlorine and iodine, 
naturally suggested the possible existence of an iodide of 
carbon, and the means which had succeeded with the one 
element, offered the best promise of success with the other. 
Iodine and olefiant gas were put in various proportions 
into retorts, and exposed to the sun’s rays. After a while, 
colourless crystals formed in the vessels, and a partial 
vacuum was produced. The gas in the vessels being then 
examined, was found to contain no hydriodic acid, but only 
pure olefiant gas. Hence, the effect had been simply to 
produce a compound of the iodine with the olefiant gas. 
The new body formed was obtained pure by introducing 
a solution of potash into the retort, which dissolved all the 
free iodine ; the substance was then collected together and 
dried. It is a solid white crystalline body, having a sweet 
taste and aromatic smell. It sinks readily in sulphuric acid 
of specific gravity 1.85. It is friable ; is not a conductor of 
electricity. When heated, it first, fuses, and then sublimes 
without any change. Its vapour condenses into crystals, 
which are either prismatic, or in plates. On becoming solid 
after fusion, it also crystallizes in needles. The crystals 
are transparent. When highly heated it is decomposed, and 
iodine evolved. It is not readily combustible; but when 
