73 
of chlorine and carbon , & c. 
held in the flame of a spirit lamp, burns, diminishing the 
flame, and giving off abundance of iodine, and some fumes 
of hydriodic acid. It is insoluble in water, or in acid and 
alkaline solutions. It is soluble in alcohol and ether, and 
may be obtained in crystals from these solutions. The 
alcoholic solution is of a very sweet taste, but leaves a pecu- 
liarly sharp biting sensation on the tongue. 
Sulphuric acid does not dissolve it. When heated in 
the acid to between 300° and 400°, the compound is decom- 
posed, apparently by the heat alone ; and iodine and a gas, 
probably olefiant gas, are liberated. Solution of potash acts 
on it very slowly, even at the boiling point, but does gradu- 
ally decompose it. 
This substance is evidently analogous to the compound 
of olefiant gas and chlorine, and remarkably resembles 
it in the sweetness of its taste, though it differs from it 
in form, &c. It will with that body form a new class 
of compounds, and they will require names to distinguish 
them. The term chloric ether, applied to the compound 
of olefiant gas and chlorine, did not at any time convey 
a very definite idea, and the analogous name of iodic ether, 
would evidently be very improper for a solid crystalline 
body heavier than sulphuric acid. Mr. Brande has sug- 
gested £the names of hydriodide of carbon, and hydro- 
chloride of carbon, for these two bodies. Perhaps as their 
general properties range with those of the combustibles, 
whilst the specific nature of the compound is decided by 
the supporter of combustion which is in combination, the 
terms of hydro-carburet of chlorine, and hydro-carburet 
of iodine, may be considered as appropriate for them. 
mdcccxxi. L 
