208 
REFUTATION OF THE SALT RADICAL THEORY. 
and anode, not only a like quantity of those elements, but 
likewise an equal number of equivalents of soda and sul- 
phuric acid. This he considers as involving the necessity, 
agreeably to the old doctrine, of the simultaneous decompo- 
sition of two electrolytic atoms in the solution, for one in 
the voltameter; while, if the solution be considered as hold- 
ing oxysulphionide of sodium, instead of sulphate of soda, 
the result may be explained consistently with the law as- 
certained by Faraday. In that case, oxysulphion would be 
carried to the anode, where, combining with hydrogen, it 
would cause oxygen to be extricated, while sodium, carried 
to the cathode, and deoxidizing water, would cause the ex- 
trication of hydrogen. 
68. Dr. Kane, alluding to the experiments above men- 
tioned, and some others which I shall mention, alleges that 
<c Professor Daniell considers the binary theory of salts 
to be fully established by them." 
69. Notwithstanding the deference which I have for the 
distinguished inventor of the constant battery, and disincli- 
nation for the unpleasant task of striving to prove a friend 
to be in the wrong, being of opinion that these inferences 
are erroneous, I feel it to be my duty to show that they are 
founded upon a misinterpretation of the facts appealed to 
for their justification. 
70. It appears to me, that the simultaneous appearance of 
the elements of water, and of acid and alkali, at the elec- 
trodes, as above stated, may be accounted for, simply by 
that electrolyzation of the soda, which must be the natural 
consequence of the exposure of the sulphate of that base in 
the circuit. I will, in support of the exposition which I am 
about to make, quote the language of Professor Daniell, in 
his late work, entitled, " Introduction to Chemical Philoso- 
phy," page 413:— 
«* Thus we may conceive that the force of affinity receives an im- 
pulse which enables the hydrogen of the first particle of water, which 
undergoes decomposition, to combine momentarily with the oxygen of 
