of the fixed Alkalies. 23 
violent effervescence, with a loud hissing noise ; it combines 
with the oxygene of the water to form soda, which is dis- 
solved, and its hydrogene is disengaged. In this operation 
there is no luminous appearance ; and it seems probable that 
even in the nascent state hydrogene is incapable of combining 
with it.* 
When the basis of soda is thrown into hot water, the de- 
composition is more violent, and in this case a few scintilla- 
tions are generally observed at the surface of the fluid ; but 
this is owing to small particles of the basis, which are thrown 
out of the water sufficiently heated, to burn in passing through 
the atmosphere. When, however, a globule is brought in 
contact with a small particle of water, or with -moistened 
paper, the heat produced (there being no medium to carry 
it off rapidly) is usually sufficient for the accension of the 
basis. 
The basis of soda acts upon alcohol and ether precisely in 
a similar manner with the basis of potash. The water that 
they contain is decomposed ; soda is rapidly formed, and hy- 
drogene disengaged. 
The basis of soda, when thrown upon the strong acids, acts 
upon them with great energy. When nitrous acid is em- 
ployed, a vivid inflammation is produced ; with muriatic and 
sulphuric acid, there is much heat generated, but no light. 
When plunged, by proper means, beneath the surface of 
the acids, it is rapidly oxygenated ; soda is produced, and the 
other educts are similar to those generated by the action of 
the basis of potash. 
* The more volatile metals only seem capable of uniting with hydrogene; a cir- 
cumstance presenting an analogy. 
