28 
PURIFICATION OF SULPHURIC ACID. 
from chloral, by the action of alkalies. It is an oily liquid 
of a sweet taste and etheral smell. When acted on by 
alkalies, it yields chlorides and formiates.'^ (Gregory — 
Outlines of Organic Chemistry , p. 401.) 
The chemical constitutions of the three articles, which, by 
inhalation, induce insensibility, are remarkable, because of 
their wide difference ; namely, 
Nitrous Oxide, = N. 0. 
Sulphuric ether, = C4 H5 
Chloroform, C2 H. CI3 
Since Dr. Simpson's pamphlet was published, several 
experiments have been made in England, confirming the 
opinion expressed by, the author. ■ 
Note. — Chloroform was first discovered by Mr. Gurthrie, of 
Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., and afterwards by Soubeiran. See a paper 
by Daniel B. Smith, of this city, in Vol. iv., p. 114, of this Journal. 
R. 
ART. VII.— ON THE PURIFICATION OF SULPHURIC ACID, 
AND THE DISTILLATION OF LIQUIDS IN GENERAL. 
By M. Lembert. 
Sulphuric acid is, of all the re-agents, the most fre- 
quently employed in the laboratory, and yet it is but seldom 
found in a state of purity. This arises from the difficulty 
and even danger that attends its purification, especially if a 
large quantity be operated on. As met with in commerce, 
it is generally very impure, and it is difficult to distil a few 
pounds, or even a smaller quantity of it, without the retort 
being broken by the bumping which arises from the vapour 
being formed with less facility in vessels having a smooth 
surface, from the density and consistence of the liquid, or 
from the high'^temperature at which it enters into ebullition, 
as well as from the liquid being a bad conductor of heat. 
