116 
NOTICE FROM DR. ROBERT HARE. 
below freezing. This aeriform product has been found par- 
tially condensible by pressure, into a yellow liquid, the vapor 
of which, when allowed to enter the mouth or nose, produced 
an impression like that of the liquid ether. I conjecture that 
it consists of nitric oxide, so united to a portion of the ether 
as to prevent the wonted reaction of this gas with atmospheric 
oxygen. Hence it does not produce red fumes on being min- 
gled with air. 
Towards the end of the ordinary process for the evo- 
lution of the sweet spirits of nitre, a volatile acrid liquid is 
created, which affects the eyes and nose like mustard, or horse 
radish. 
When the new ether as it first condenses is distilled from 
quick lime, this earth becomes imbued with an essential oil 
which it yields to hydric ether, when aided by the presence 
of water. This oil may be afterwards isolated by the sponta- 
neous evaporation of its solvent. It has a mixed odor, partly 
agreeable, partly unpleasant. From the affinity between its 
odor and that of common nitrous ether, I infer that it is one of 
the impurities which exist in that compound. 
The new ether is obtained in the highest degree of purity, 
though in less quantity, by introducing the materials into a 
strong well ground stoppered bottle, refrigerated by snow ana 1 
salt* After some time the ether will form a supernatant stra- 
tum, which may be separated by decantation. 
* The following is the proportion in which the materials may be em- 
ployed : 
Sulphuric acid 7 ounces 332 grains avoirdupois. 
Water same bulk as the acid. 
, Alcohol 3 ounces 234 grains. 
Hyponitrite of soda 14 ounces 204 grains. 
When the distillatory process is resorted to, the alcohol and salt is first 
introduced, the diluted acid being gradually poured into the retort by means 
of a tapering glass tube passing through the tubulure, to which it is luted. 
The lower orifice of the tube descends below the surface of the alcohol. 
The more volatile portion of the ether comes over without heat; a consi- 
derable portion may afterwards be distilled by raising the temperature by a 
water-bath. The ether thus obtained should be redistilled from powdered 
quick lime. 
