on the Allays qf Steel. 
the laboratory, the button produced after fusion was weighed, 
and if it fell short of the weight of both metals put into the 
crucible, it was rejected as .imperfect, and put aside. When 
the button gave the weight, and on analysis gave proofs of con- 
taining the metal put in to form the alloy, and also on being 
forged into a bar and acted on by acids, presented an uniform 
surface, we considered the evidence of 'its composition as suffi- 
ciently satisfactory. The processes 'of analysis, though simple,: 
we shall briefly state ; the information may be desirable to others 
who may be engaged on similar experiments ; and, farther, may 
enable every one to detect any atteinpt at imposition. It would 
be very desirable at present, !o possess a test as simple, by which 
we could distinguish the wootz, or steel of India, from that of' 
jSurope ; but this, unfortunately, requires a much more diffi- 
cult process of analysis. 
To ascellain if platina is in combination with steel, a small 
portion of the metal, or some filings taken from the bar, is to 
be put into dilute sulphuric acid ; there will be rapid action ; 
•the iron will be dissolved, and a black sediment left, which will 
contain carbon, hydrogen, iron, and platina ; the carbon and 
hydrogen are to be burnt off, the small portion of iron sepa-^ 
rated by muriatic acid, and the residium dissolved in a drop of 
two of nitro-muriatic acid. If a piece of glass be moistened 
with this solution, and then heated by a spirit-lamp and the 
blowpipe, the platina is reduced, and forms a metallic coating 
on the glass. 
In analysing the alloy of steel and silver, it is to be acted on 
by dilute sulphuric, acid, and the powder boiled in the acid ; 
the silver will remain in such a minute state of division, that it 
will require some time to deposit.. The powder is then to be 
boiled in a small portion of strong muriatic acid*' ; this will dis- 
solve the iron and silver, and the latter will fall down as a chlo- 
ride of silver on dilution with water ; or the powder may be 
dissolved in pure nitric acid, and tested by muriatic acid and 
ammonia. 
• Although it is a generally received opinion that muriatic acid doeg not act 
on silver, yet that is not the case ; pure muriatic acid dissolves a small portion of 
silver very readily. 
