258 
SELECTED ARTICLES. 
ART. XLIII.—A SIMPLE METHOD OF COMPLETELY DECO- 
LORING, WITHOUT DISTILLATION, THE OIL OF PE- 
TROLEUM OF COMMERCE. By M. R. Bottger. 
To two pounds of ordinary oil of petroleum, contained in a 
glass flask, are added about six ounces of fuming sulphuric 
acid, and the flask is closed; the mixture is agitated several 
times daily and for many days. At the end of about the 
eighth day, the oil will have become colorless, and all the 
organic matter, that has been in union with it, will have been 
carbonized by the sulphuric acid. 
At this time the flask is to be opened, taking care not to in- 
hale the fumes of the sulphurous acid which are disengaged 
in quantity; by means of a syphon, the oil is decanted into 
another flask, where it is several times agitated with water, 
which is frequently renewed; after having been allowed to 
remain at rest for a time, it is poured into a third flask, and 
three ounces of quick-lime in fragments added; it is then 
carefully shaken several times, and again allowed to remain 
for a period at rest. The oil purified by this method is per- 
fectly colorless, and well fitted for the preservation of sodium 
and potassium, which, when retained in it, remain for years 
without oxidation. 
This method has been tried by M. F, Mohr, and has per- 
fectly succeeded. A. G. V. 
Jlnnalen der Fharmacie, and Journ. de Pharm. 
