C 333 3 
XXIII. Electro-Chemical Researches, on the Decomposition of the 
Earths ; with Observations on the Metals obtained from the 
alkaline Earths, and on the Amalgam procured from Ammonia . 
By Humphry Davy, Esq. Sec. R. S. M. R. I. A. 
Read June 30th, 1808. 
1. Introduction. 
In the Philosophical Transactions for 1807, Part I. and i8o8 # 
Part I. I have detailed the general methods of decomposi- 
tion by electricity, and stated various new facts obtained in. 
consequence of the application of them. 
The results of the experiments on potash and soda, as I 
stated in my last communication to the Society, afforded me 
the strongest hopes of being able to effect the decomposition 
both of the alkaline and common earths ; and the phenomena 
obtained in the first imperfect trials made upon those bodies 
countenanced the ideas that had obtained from the earliest 
periods of chemistry, of their being metallic in their nature.* 
* Beccher. is the first chemist, as far as my reading informs me, who distinctly 
pointed out the relations of metals to earthy substances, see Phys. subt. Lipsiae, 4to. 
p. 61 . He was followed by Stahl, who has given the doctrine a more perfect form. 
Beccher’s idea was that of an universal elementary earth, which, by uniting to an 
inflammable earth, produced all the metals, and under other modifications formed 
stones. Stahl admitted distinct earths which he supposed might be converted into 
metals by combining with phlogiston; see Stahl Fundament. Chym. p. 9. 4to. and 
Conspect. Chem. 1. 77. 4to. — Neuman gives an account of an elaborate series of 
unsuccessful experiments which he made to obtain a metal from quicklime. Lewi’s 
