Mr. Davy on some combinations of platinum. 1 o g 
about equal volumes of a strong aqueous solution of the 
sulphate, and alcohol ; and after agitating the mixed fluids, 
the phial was put aside. Some weeks afterwards, I found the 
dark colour of the sulphate had entirely disappeared, a dense 
black substance had subsided, and the supernatant fluid re- 
mained colourless and transparent. On opening the phial, an 
odour similar to that of ether was perceived, the fluid had a 
strong acid taste, and afforded a copious precipitate with 
nitrate of barytes. After the black substance had been well 
washed and dried, a few preliminary experiments, served to 
show that it was a peculiar compound which had not been 
noticed. To confirm these results, and procure more of the 
substance, I repeated the experiment with the sulphate and 
alcohol. In about two days the fluid assumed a darker tint, 
the black substance began to precipitate in a finely divided 
state, and in about a week it had all subsided, leaving the 
fluid colourless and transparent. I afterwards found that 
the substance in question may be readily obtained by boiling 
the sulphate and alcohol* together for a few minutes ; it se- 
parates in small particles, leaving the supernatant fluid co- 
lourless, or with only a slight tinge of yellow. In cases 
when it is thus procured, a little volatile inflammable fluid, 
having a peculiar ethereal smell, is also obtained. The sub- 
stance, after being washed till the water is tasteless and does 
not affect litmus paper, and dried at a temperature of about 
250° Fahrenheit, exhibits the following properties. 
* The alcohol used in this experiment, may vary considerably in its strength 
and quantity, without materially affecting the results. Ether may also be em- 
ployed as a substitute for alcohol. 
