152 MINUTES OF N. Y. COLLEGE OF THARMACY. 
blowpipe. The distilled mercury and results of the decom- 
position of the organic matters were passed into a small 
cup of alcohol ; the tube was broken when cool, and all the 
volatilized matter mixed with the alcohol ; this was diluted 
with about one ounce of water, and boiled with a solution 
of Proto-chloride of Tin in excess. The precipitate washed, 
and sublimed in a tube, gave the metallic mercury. The 
object of the iron is to decompose any sulphuret of mercury 
that might be formed. The alcohol decomposes, or rather 
holds in solution, the organic matter separated during the 
distillation, so that the mercury can subside. The proto- 
chloride of tin precipitates any mercury which might be 
dissolved by the formation of acetic acid during the destruc- 
tive distillation of the organic matter. 
Yours, very respectfully, 
Lawrence Reid. 
To C. Adamson, Esq., 
Chairman Com. of Inspection, 
Col. of Pharmacy, N. Y. 
By order, 
John Meakim, Secretary. 
'/ 
