7 
of the fixed Alkalies . 
elude that this substance was generated in a similar manner 
by the electrical action upon the alkalies ; and a number of 
experiments made above mercury, with the apparatus for ex- 
cluding external air, proved that this was the case. 
When solid potash, or soda in its conducting state, w r as in- 
cluded in glass tubes furnished with electrified platina wires, 
the new substances were generated at the negative surfaces ; 
the gas given out at the other surface proved by the most 
delicate examination to be pure oxygene ; and unless an 
excess of water was present, no gas was evolved from the 
negative surface. 
In the synthetical experiments, a perfect coincidence like- 
wise will be found. 
I mentioned that the metallic lustre of the substance from 
potash immediately became destroyed in the atmosphere, and 
that a white crust formed upon it. This crust I soon found 
to be pure potash, which immediately deliquesced, and new 
quantities were formed, which in their turn attracted moisture 
from the atmosphere till the whole globule disappeared, and 
assumed the form of a saturated solution of potash.'* 
When globules were placed in appropriate tubes containing 
common air or oxygene gas confined by mercury, an absorp- 
tion of oxygene took place ; a crust of alkali instantly formed 
upon the globule ; but from the want of moisture for its 
* Water likewise is decomposed in the process. We shall hereafter see that the 
bases of the fixed alkalies act upon this substance with greater energy than any other 
known bodies. The minute theory of the oxydation of the bases of the alkalies in the 
free air, is this : — oxygene gas is first attracted by them, and alkali formed. This 
alkali speedily absorbs water. This water is again decomposed. Hence, during the 
conversion of a globule into alkaline solution, there is a constant and rapid disen- 
gagement of small quantities of gas. 
