at the Temple of Sera pis. 99 
vestigations, inductions, and answers. He diffidently separates 
the problematical parts, and wishes a less desperate explanation 
than the elevation of the Mediterranean for such an insignifi- 
cant purpose. Let the present Essay, then, be first dedicated 
to this worthy man, with the reservation of being allowed, on 
other and more important occasions, without bias, to express 
the thanks which are due for his great and comprehensive un- 
dertaking. 
Art.VIII . — Experiments on the Application of Professor Dee - 
bereiners recent Discovery , to Eudiometry By Edward 
Turner, M. D., Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, 
and Lecturer on Chemistry, Edinburgh. (Communicated by 
the Author.) 
Having observed with equal pleasure and surprise the sin- 
gular property of spongy platinum, recently discovered by Pro- 
fessor Doebereiner, it occurred to me to investigate whether this 
discovery was to afford simply an amusing experiment, or to 
confer a benefit on science, by the addition of a new agent in 
analytical chemistry. My preliminary trials were flattering, and 
I therefore resolved to enter on the investigation with all pos- 
sible regard to accuracy. 
Pure platinum w r as dissolved in the usual way, and precipi- 
tated by a solution of sal-ammoniac ; the yellow precipitate, on 
being ignited, gave metallic platinum in the form of a delicate 
porous mass. When a jet of hydrogen-gas was thrown upon 
this mass, it became instantly red hot, and in a few seconds the 
heat was so intense as to inflame the hydrogen. The effect was 
greatly augmented, by throwing a jet of oxygen upon the pla- 
tinum at the same time. A most intense white heat was then 
produced, accompanied by vivid combustion of the hydrogen, 
forming a splendid and striking experiment. 
If the platinum be brought in contact with a mixture com- 
posed of two volumes of hydrogen to one of oxygen, instantaneous 
action ensues; the metal becomes red hot, and an explosion follows. 
* Read before the Royal Society of Edinburgh, on the 5th of April and 3d 
of May 1824. 
G 2 
