on corrosive sublimate. 3 6 5 
salt in water appears to be increased by combining with cor- 
rosive sublimate, but in a less degree. 
It appeared probable, that a compound of common salt and 
corrosive sublimate might be formed in the dry way. 7.5 
grains of the former and 34 of the latter were heated to- 
gether : no proof was afforded of combination having taken 
place ; the corrosive sublimate, on the application of heat, rose 
as readily as if heated by itself. 
I thought it possible that water containing common salt, 
might have the power of dissolving chlorides that are in- 
soluble in water alone ; but experiment did not confirm the 
conjecture in the instance of calomel and horn silver. 
May not the compounds of corrosive sublimate and common 
salt, muriate of magnesia and baryta, respectively, be con- 
sidered as constituted of one proportion of each ingredient ? 
The definite nature of the compounds with muriate of am- 
monia and potash, are perhaps more questionable. 
It is worthy of remark, that all these compounds exhibit 
the properties of the most active constituent, or of that, the 
saturating power of which is greatest ; so that, though the 
quantity of corrosive sublimate dissolved in any one instance 
is large, it modifies very little the character of the solution. 
To conclude ; it would appear from the preceding experi- 
ments that these menstrua, which have a strong affinity for 
corrosive sublimate, prevent its decomposition when exposed 
to light, as the muriates, alcohol, and ether ; and, on the 
contrary, that those solvents which exercise a weak affinity 
on it, and have a stronger affinity for muriatic acid, as water, 
and exceedingly dilute alcohol, aid the decomposing power of 
light. 
