of the fixed. Alkalies. 1 3 
experiments when the action of the electricity is intense, and 
the potash much heated. 
The basis of potash when introduced into oxymuriatic acid 
gas burns spontaneously with a bright red light, and a white 
salt proving to be muriate of potash is formed. 
When a globule is heated in hydrogene at a degree below 
its point of vaporization, it seems to dissolve in it, for the glo- 
bule diminishes in volume, and the gas explodes with alkaline 
fumes and bright light, when suffered to pass into the air ; 
but by cooling, this spontaneous detonating property is 
destroyed, and the basis is either wholly or principally 
deposited. 
The action of the basis of potash on water exposed to the 
atmosphere is connected with some beautiful phenomena. 
When it is thrown upon water, or when it is brought into con- 
tact with a drop of water at common temperatures, it decom- 
poses it with great violence, an instantaneous explosion is 
produced with brilliant flame, and a solution of pure potash is 
the result. 
In experiments of this kind, an appearance often occurs 
similar to that produced by the combustion of phosphuretted 
hydrogene ; a white ring of smoke, which gradually extends 
as it rises into the air. 
When water is made to act upon the basis of potash out 
of the contact of air and preserved by means of a glass tube 
under naphtha, the decomposition is violent ; and there is much 
heat and noise, but no luminous appearance, and the gas 
evolved when examined in the mercurial or water pneumatic 
apparatus is found to be pure hydrogene. 
When a globule of the basis of potash is placed upon ice it 
