of the fixed Alkalies. 
43 
energetic to separate elements in the strongest degree of 
union, in bodies undecomposable under other circumstances. 
When the powers are feeble, acids and alkalies, and acids 
and metallic oxides, merely separate from each other ; when 
they are increased to a certain degree, the common me- 
tallic oxides and the compound acids are decomposed ; and 
by means still more exalted, the alkalies yield their elements. 
And as far as our knowledge of the composition of bodies 
extends, all substances attracted by positive electricity, are 
oxygene, or such as contain oxygene in excess ; and all that 
are attracted by negative electricity, are pure combustibles, or 
such as consist chiefly of combustible matter. 
The idea of muriatic acid, fluoric acid, and boracic acid con- 
taining oxygene, is highly strengthened by these facts. And 
the general principle confirms the conjecture just stated con- 
cerning the nature of the earths. 
In the electrization of boracic acid moistened with water, I 
find that a dark coloured combustible matter is evolved at the 
negative surface ; but the researches upon the alkalies have 
prevented me from pursuing this fact, which seems however 
to indicate a decomposition. 
Muriatic acid and fluoric acid in their gaseous states are 
non-conductors : and as there is every reason to believe that 
their bases have a stronger attraction for oxygene than water, 
there can be little hope of decomposing them in their aqueous 
solutions, even by the highest powers. In the electrization of 
some of their combinations there is however a probability of 
success. 
An immense variety of objects of research is presented in 
the powers and affinities of the new metals produced from the 
alkalies. 
G2 
