356 
MISCELLANY. 
Hydrogen. 
Carbon. 
Oxygen. 
Alcohol, 
6 
4 
2 
Aldehyd, 
4 
4 ' 
2 
Oxalhydric acid, 
3 
4 
6 
Acetic acid, 
3 
4 
3 
Oxalic acid, (4 atoms,) 
4 
8 
From the numerous experiments detailed in the paper, the following 
were some of the inferences drawn by the author: — 1 . During the action of 
nitric acid on alcohol, no oxalic acid is formed as long as nitrous ether 
alone distils over. 2. That aldehyd is not produced, at least in any 
appreciable quantity, until oxalic acid appears in the retort, and the pro- 
duction of nitrous ether nearly ceases. 3. That during the preparation of 
nitrous ether in the cold, acetic acid is abundantly produced, and appears 
to replace the oxalhydric acid formed when heat is employed. — Dr. Bird 
also noticed, that in crystallizing the residual fluid in the retort, the first 
crop of oxalic acid crystals that appeared were of their ordinary form ; 
but that those produced by subsequent evaporation were in pearly scales, 
much resembling in form the double cyanides described by Dr. R, H. 
Brett, in the Philosophical Magazine, — some of which were exhibited by 
Mr. West to the Section this morning. — lb. 
