363 
of simple alimentary substances , &c. 
principles in which the following method of analysis is 
founded ; the only novelty in which, therefore, is the form of 
the apparatus ; and of this it is hoped the following summary 
sketch, and annexed figures, will convey every requisite 
information. 
Fig. 1, Plate XIV, represents a front view or elevation of 
the whole apparatus in the act of being employed. A B is a plat- 
form, two feet square, surrounded by a ledge about inches 
high, for preserving any mercury that may chance to fall 
about, and furnished with four adjusting screws ( of which two, 
C C, are sectional views ) , by means of which it may be placed 
perfectly horizontal. Into this platform, in the manner repre- 
sented, are fixed perpendicularly four square pillars, DE,DE, 
about four feet and a half high, at the top of which is placed 
another small platform, F F, abou f four inches wide, and 
which may be fixed or removed at pleasure by means of the 
brass pins ab, a b. II are glass tubes graduated with the 
utmost care to hundredths of a cubic inch, and which are 
cemented at bottom into semicircular iron tubes enclosed in 
the blocks KK (as represented by the dotted lines). These 
iron tubes project a little below the wood at the lower part, 
where they are furnished with iron stop-cocks, SS, for draw- 
ing off the mercury when it may be necessary. Into the 
other end of these semicircular tubes are likewise cemented 
the glass tubes L L (of smaller dimensions, and a little longer 
than the tubes II), and forming with them, when taken toge- 
ther, inverted syphons. The smaller tubes, L L, are repre- 
sented as surmounted by funnels, R R, furnished with stop- 
cocks, the object of which is to permit the mercury to flow 
into them with any velocity that may be required. On the 
