453 
on the Nature of certain Bodies . 
The first portions contained considerably more nitrogene 
in proportion, than the gases evolved during the electrization 
of ammonia, and the last portions less. 
I shall give the results of an experiment, in which the gases 
produced in distillation were collected in four different vessels, 
and in which every precaution was taken to avoid sources of 
inaccuracy. 
The barometer was at 29.8, thermometer 65° Fahrenheit. 
6 grains of potassium absorbed 12 cubic inches of well dried 
ammonia. The metal was heated in a tray of platina, and the 
gas contained in a retort of plate glass. 
5.8 cubical inches of hydrogene were produced. 
The fusible substance was distilled in an iron tube of the 
capacity of 3 cubical inches and half filled with hydrogene, 
the adaptors connected with the mercurial apparatus contained 
.8 of common air. 
The first portion of gas collected (the 'heat being very 
slowly raised, and long before it had rendered the vessel 
red ), equalled 7.5 cubical inches. It contained .6 of ammonia, 
7 of the residuum detonated with 4^- of oxygene gas left a 
residuum of 4. 
The second portion, equal to 3 cubical inches, contained no 
ammonia. 7.2 measures of it, detonated with 3.8 of oxygene, 
left a residuum of 3.5. 
The third portion was equal to 5 cubical inches ; at this time 
the tube was white hot ; it contained no ammonia, 8.5 of it 
detonated with 4.5 of oxygene diminished to 2.5. 
The last portion was a cubical inch and half, collected when 
the heat was most intense. 4.5 measures, with 3.75 of oxy- 
gene, left a residuum of 2.8. 
3N 
MDCCCIX. 
