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SELECTED ARTICLES. 
throw in gold and iron-filings, the oxygen of the precipitate 
instantly passes over to form a peroxide of iron, while the re- 
vived quicksilver amalgamates with the gold. So likewise, 
the proto-nitrate and acetate mercury, when similarly treated, 
form severally a nitrate and acetate of iron, while the metal- 
lic mercury being revived, combines of course with the gold. 
The more insoluble compounds of mercurj', for which it is 
extremely desirable we should possess an antidote, are not so 
readily decomposed by the presence of gold and iron: but we 
are aware at the same time, that this class of agents act more 
slowly on animal tissues, and also that some soluble salt must 
be formed, by the action of the stomach, before they can prove 
deleterious. These compounds are, first, cinnabar — bisul- 
phuret or vermilion: second, turbith mineral or sub-bisulphate: 
third, white precipitate or hydrargyrum ammoniatum of 
the Pharmacopoeia: amongst these, calomel may also be classed. 
Now, before any of the last named substances can prove dele- 
terious, some soluble salt must be formed by the action of the 
stomach, which, when formed, instead of acting on the coats 
of the stomach, will be decomposed by the presence of gold 
and iron, as we have before seen in regard to the other soluble 
salts. It was our intention to have made a number of experi- 
ments on animals, aided by Professor W. R. Fisher,* who 
* This gifted son of Pennsylvania, during twelve years' residence in 
our city, devoted his time and the energies of a highly cultivated intellect, 
almost solely to the study of chemistry and pharmacy. Two summers 
since he was called, unsolicited on his part, to the chair of chemistry in 
the University of Maryland, a station which he occupied with distinguish- 
ed credit to himself, and marked advantage to his class. His lectures, 
written in a style remarkable for its elegance and force, were delivered in 
a manner at once animated and natural, while the happiest facility of illus- 
trating, by experiment, the numerous and varied points under discussion 
evinced a familiarity with chemical manipulations, which can only be 
acquired by long experience. That he possessed, indeed, all the qualities 
essential to an accomplished and eloquent teacher of chemistry, was ac- 
corded by all who had the gratification to hear him. Ever ready to take 
the lead in any thing useful or scientific in its objects, he had laid plans to 
establish a College of Pharmacy in our city. During the past spring, in 
the pride of youth and usefulness, he had the misfortune to be attacked 
