RESEARCHES ON THE AMONIACAL COMPOUNDS. 105 
The action of water on white precipitate affords another 
compound of chloride and amidet of mercury, but in which 
the elements vary in their proportion, part being replaced by 
oxygen ; this compound, which is of a canary yellow color, has 
usually been considered as the peroxide of mercury, arising 
from the total decomposition of the white powder. But it will be 
seen, that in composition it is allied to the substance from which 
it is derived. This is a heavy yellow granular powder, which 
dries readily, and is very slightly soluble in water ; it is not 
affected by the alkalies. When heated, it yields calomel, me- 
tallic mercury, ammonia, azote, and water. 
The analysis of this substance was conducted on the same 
principles as the former, and from the result, Prof. Kane de- 
duces the composition to be 
Hg 85.72 
CI 7.48 
NH 2 3.42 
O 3.38 
100.00 
" This yellow powder is generated, evidently, by the reac- 
tion of water on white precipitate, in which one-half the chlo- 
rine and ammonia are converted into sal-ammoniac, a corres- 
ponding portion of the mercury being oxidised." 
Prof. Kane was unable to procure the ammoniuret of mer- 
cury by the action of alkalies in excess on white precipitate ; 
the result was always the production of the yellow powder 
above mentioned. 
The action which ammonia exercises on calomel is similar 
to that on corrosive sublimate. When ammonia is added to 
calomel, a powder is formed, which, when moist, has a 
black color, but when dry is gray. This powder has been 
stated to be the black oxide of mercury, but the experiments 
of Prof. Kane exhibit a different result. This powder is not al- 
tered by exposure to air, or to the temperature of 1S0° F. ; boil- 
ing water does not affect it ; a high temperature decomposes it, 
VOL. VI, — NO. Hi 14 
