of the fixed Alkalies . 3 
to the conducting power and degree of concentration of the 
materials employed. 
In the first attempts, that I made on the decomposition of 
the fixed alkalies, I acted upon aqueous solutions of potash 
and soda, saturated at common temperatures, by the highest 
electrical power I could command, and which was produced 
by a combination of Voltaic batteries belonging to the Royal 
Institution, containing 24 plates of copper and zinc of 12 inches 
square, 100 plates of 6 inches, and 150 of4 inches square, charg- 
ed with solutions of alum and nitrous acid ; but in these cases, 
though there was a high intensity of action, the water of the 
solutions alone was affected, and hydrogene and oxygene dis- 
engaged with the production of much heat and violent effer- 
vescence. 
The presence of water appearing thus to prevent any de- 
composition, I used potash in igneous fusion. By means of a 
stream of oxygene gas from a gasometer applied to the flame 
of a spirit lamp, which was thrown on a platina spoon contain- 
ing potash, this alkali was kept for some minutes in a strong 
red heat, and in a state of perfect fluidity. The spoon was 
preserved in communication with the positive side of the battery 
of the power of 100 of 6 inches, highly charged ; and the con- 
nection from the negative side was made by a platina wire. 
By this arrangement some brilliant phenomena were pro- 
duced. The potash appeared a conductor in a high degree, and 
as long as the communication was preserved, a most intense 
light was exhibited at the negative wire, and a column of 
flame, which seemed to be owing to the developement of 
combustible matter, arose from the point of contact. 
When the order was changed, so that the platina spoon 
B 2 
