249 
sulphuric acid and alcohol , &c. 
which it loses hydrocarbon, and acquires a saturating power 
equivalent to only half the natural power of the sulphuric 
acid it contains. The remaining hydrocarbon enters with it 
into saline combinations, and is there equivalent in saturating 
power to the quantity of base taken up. The proportions of 
hydrocarbon which in this way replaces bases being four 
proportionals, or 24 carbon, 4 hydrogen. 
