TEANSACTIONS OF THE SECTIONS. 
57 
Beside* the interesting case of phosphorescence where no chemical change results, 
fe hare instances of unions of bodies effected by the principle we are considering,— 
irirojen with chlorine, carbonic oxide with chlorine (phosgene gas), benzol with 
itorine (chloro-benzin), are instances of this synthetiem power, which la probably 
' (fletemlt of a jMcAonicof eomprearion by ribratory motion of the molecules of these 
hdiss by which their aUnna ate brought within the spheres nf their mutual a ttracliuns. 
lie rimilar properties ofiKtter«f bodies are recognized a* the remit of their niecha- 
aitilmdition. In the Daguerreotype we have probably another itislaiice of actmo- 
ipMiical action; the power of condensing vajHiurs may be induced on polished pure 
ttuallicfur&ces, and in the Daguerreotype process we have no evidence of uecompo- 
nlion. Ihe singularly dUfereiil clfecU of rays of dift’erent refraugibility, as ^own by 
SifJ.Hrrschel, Draper, Cluudet and others, seem to point out the dlssiroiliurity of 
tciins to that on ]uiper processes. 
The doctrine of interferences, as proposed by Dr. Draper, seems best to account for 
lime effects; and Professor Groves's theory of the vibrations of light acting in matter 
itKtf and not in an setherial medium, strongly favours the idea. 
The miahle effects of light at various angles of refrangibility may be supposed to 
Mult from the rapidity of the vibration, while its conalanl attributes may be supposed 
utesulticg from its extent or form. __ 
On Proteine and its Compounds. By Prof. Mulder. 
On a specimen of artificial Bumboldtite or Melilite in large Crystals. 
By Dr. Percy. 
On a new Potash Apparatus for Organic Analysis. By Dr. Percy. 
On decompositions prodticed by Catalytic Bodies, and on the Molecular 
ConsHtution of Salts. By Dr. L. Playfair. 
Onftoo new Salts of Gold. By the Rev. J. B. Reade, M.A., F.R.S. 
Tlie author stated that if a few drops of liquor aromoDia; bo added to 20 or 30 grams 
Wiodiiic, and tlie compound be slightly heated and stirred over the flame of a spirit- 
“®Pi the result is an ammoniacal solution of iodine having iodine largely in excess. 
Ihe fluid thug obtained is an instantaneous solvent of gold leaf; and w|hcn saturated 
*'«i the Utter metd, it yields, upon spontaneous evaporation, four-sided prismatic 
of amnonio-periodide of yold. These crystals have very much the colour of 
*“ne itselt ITie application of a gentle heat disengages one ccuivalent of iodine, 
*”■1 leaves aflimoRto-iot/rrfr of gold as a white crystal. A higher degree of heat vola- 
'wesall the ammonia and iodine, and metallic gold remains. If a few drops of the 
WWioiibc cryatnlUzed rather quickly on a slip of gla*», arborttceni metalUc gold may 
*^*«ined, under the anpljcaiion of heat, as a very beautiful microscopic object. 
Thwe salts may probably lead to the more accurate determination of the etjuivalent 
'’gold, which at present varies from 66 to 200. 
On Sugar from Potatoes. By Sir R. H. Schomburgk. 
peculiar Formation of Permanganic Acid. By Prof. Schonbein. 
EiUertwning the notion tliat permanganic acid la no peculiar degree of oxidation of 
“'’^ese, but a compound of the peroxides of that meUl and hydrogen (2 M n Uj + 
and holding ozone to he a peroxide of hydrogen, 1 was led to suppose that 
^ftftanganic acid might perhaps be formed by causing ozone to act in its nascent state 
a solution of sulphate, nitrate, or chloride of manganese. How far the correct- 
