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XVII. On the mutual action of sulphuric acid and alcohol , with 
observations on the composition and properties of the resulting 
compound. By Mr. Henry Hennell, chemical operator at 
Apothecaries' Hall. Communicated by W. T. Brande, Esq. 
Sec. R , S. 
Read March 9, 182 6. 
The following experiments were originally undertaken 
with the view of ascertaining the nature of that singular pro- 
duct of the distillation of sulphuric acid and alcohol, which has 
long been known in the pharmaceutical laboratory under the 
name of oil of wine, and which has generally been regarded 
by chemists as a modification of sulphuric ether. The re- 
sults however of my enquiries have led me to very different 
conclusions, and induce me to regard it as a hitherto unde- 
scribed compound of sulphuric acid and carbon and hydrogen ; 
the latter elements existing in the same proportions as in 
olefiant gas, and exerting a peculiar saturating power in 
respect to the acid. I have also ascertained that hydrocarbon, 
with an additional proportion of sulphuric acid, affords a 
compound which is capable of uniting with salifiable bases, 
and of forming a distinct series of products. 
Of oil of wine. 
As I originally considered the elements of oil of wine to 
be the same as those of ether, I endeavoured to ascertain 
their relative proportions by passing its vapour over red hot 
oxide of copper in a glass tube, in the apparatus contrived 
