8 
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
lopement of the constitution of the oxysalts (which applies 
equally to the sulphosalts and others): but as to myself, I 
have a thorough conviction, that there is therein, some- 
thing more than a vague speculation; since it unfolds to us an 
internal analogy in phenomena, which, agreeably to the 
perception of our senses, are externally analogous. If these 
phenomena are to be considered agreeably to the ideas of 
Mr. De Bondsdorff, how does it happen that sulphur, phos- 
phorus, arsenic, and other radicals of the strongest oxacids, when 
united with chlorine, bromine, iodine, &c., do not combine 
with the chlorides,* bromides, &c., of the metals of the alkalies 
and of the earths ; whilst the chloride and bromide of potassium 
combine easily with those of magnesium, iron, and manganese. 
Should then the chloride of magnesium, or that of manganese, 
be a stronger acid than the chloride of sulphur, or chloride of 
phosphorus? How is it consistent with these ideas that we can 
obtain crystallized salts as well with, as without water, of 
combination, composed of chloride of calcium and of oxalate, 
or of acetate of lime? Should the oxysalt be here the acid, or 
the base ? I have now displayed to you, the considerations 
which have guided me, and which I think are not destitute 
of foundation. 
I cheerfully admit that it would be preferable to employ 
the word chlorohydric, instead of hydrochloric. My motive 
for retaining this last, is, that I have ventured to propose a 
new nomenclature in a language foreign to me, in which it 
was inexpedient to make changes which could be avoided 
without inconvenience. I also agree with you, that we ought 
not to use combustible and oxidable, as having the same 
meaning. I have deserved your strictures for this inconsis- 
tency in my language; but I must suggest as an apology, that 
the two words were formerly used as synonymous, and that 
the work, in which you have recently noticed this oversight, 
was first published in 1806, having been from time to time 
* 1 have translated chlorure, fluorure, broinure, by chloride, fluoride, 
and bromide, agreeably to the practice of the British chemists. 
