86 
MR. G. GORE ON THE PROPERTIES OF LIQUID CARBONIC ACID. 
liquid acid and exhibited a pale blue colour. And in a fourth experiment, the tube 
being charged with sulphuric acid diluted with an equal bulk of water, and with an 
anode of wood-charcoal ^th of an inch distant from a cathode of platinum whe, and 40 
Smee’s batteries, faint conduction occurred, probably in consequence of the presence of 
a trace of water from the dilute acid ; the deflection of the galvanometer needles was 
21°, but the conduction entirely ceased in twelve hours, and then, upon connecting the 
electrodes with the secondary wire of the coil, no sparks passed between them. 
These experiments show that liquid carbonic acid is a strong insulator of electri- 
city, and that when prepared Avith concentrated oil of vitriol, and Avith the precautions 
stated, it is free from Avater, sulphuric acid, and sulphate of ammonia. As further 
proofs of the freedom of the liquid acid from oil of Autriol and water, it may be men- 
tioned, — 1st, that dry extract of litmus exhibited no signs of redness by immersion in 
the liquid acid ; 2ndly, a small fragment of glacial phosphoric acid did not appear at all 
liquefied, nor lost the sharpness of its edges after being immersed several Aveeks ; and 
ordly, anhydrous sulphate of copper did not become at all blue in the liquid acid. 
The folloAAing are the results obtained Avith various solid substances immersed in the 
liquid acid ; some Avere immersed during several months, many during several weeks, 
and a feAV only during several days. The temperature of the liquid acid was generally 
a little below that of the external atmosphere. Wood-charcoal remained undissolved 
and unaltered. Anhydrous boracic acid in powder slightly dissolved. White phosphorus 
slightly dissolved. Glacial phosphoric acid, green solid biphosphide of hydrogen, and 
ordinary yellow sulphur, undissolved and unchanged. (Bisulphide of carbon absorbs 
gaseous carbonic acid.) Sulphide of phosphorus, and selenium, undissolved and unaltered. 
Iodine, biniodide of phosphorus, and iodide of sulphur, all dissolved in small quantities 
(iodine the most freely), and formed red or reddish solutions. Anhydrous hydrochloric 
acid (prepared by first half-filling the limb A of the tube with sesquicarbonate of 
ammonia, and then filling the remaining half with hydrochlorate of ammonia) did not 
produce tAvo strata in the condensed liquid, but imparted to the liquid a broAvnish 
colour in each of tAvo experiments, probably by acting upon the gutta-percha stopper. 
Pentachloride of phosphorus dissoh^ed sloAvly and formed a colourless liquid. Metallic 
potassium and metallic sodium slowly acquired bulky white coatings of alkali. Phos- 
phide of sodium, fused chloride of sodium, phosphide of calcium, anhydrous chloride of 
calcium, bright metallic aluminium, crystals of silicium, anhydrous silica, silico-fluoride 
of potassium, and arsenic acid, all remained undissolved and unaltered. Terbromide of 
arsenic and terbromide of antimony, each dissolved slightly. Hydrated crystals of mono- 
sulphate of iron became dehydrated and fell to pieces as a white powder, and did not 
dissoh^e. Anhydrous sulphate of copper remained white and undissolved ; the hydrated 
salt became white. Protochloride of mercury and nitrate of silver remained undissolved 
and unaltered. 
Cyanide of mercury, oxalic acid, benzoic acid, succinic acid, pyrogallic acid, gallic 
acid, tannic acid, tannic acid and potash, paraffin, and cocostearic acid remained undis- 
