ON AQUA REGIA. 
259 
According to Berzelius, however, the new combination has 
to receive the formula : 
(M+O— H*)+'N; 
and combinations could even be obtained as follows : — 
[(M + 02— H 2 )+'N 2 ][(M+0 3 — H 4 )+N 3 ]* 
Hence, according to the first hypothesis, the fresh combina- 
tion is corresponding with that on which the nitric acid 
acted ; whereas, according to the second, it is composed of 
nitrous acid and an oxide of a compound radical. 
We have, therefore, in the above instances two hypothe- 
ses, leading to different theoretical views, as they emanate 
from an arrangement of combinations, which is not one and 
the same in both. Investigations calculated to support one 
or the other of these hypotheses are highly important in the 
present state of science, and the more so as the establish- 
ing of one of them will be the means of ascertaining the con- 
stitution of organic combinations, and thus raise the study 
of these combinations to the rank of an accurate science. 
24. That the hyponitric acid inorganic bodies does not 
act the part of a radical, appears from the foregoing ex- 
periments and considerations, especially from the action 
of hydrochloric acid on nitrate of potassa . 
Previous to having established this fact, I gave credit to 
the hypothesis of MM. Dumas and Couerbe. What re- 
sulted from other experiments relative to the nature of 
oxysulpho-sulphuric acid, did not remain without influence 
on my views of that of hyponitric acid. Not knowing, 
however, which is the precise part acted on by this acid, and 
considering it as a dehydrogenating body kindred to chlorine, 
I was of course induced to consider this as a radical, as is 
done with the latter metalloid, which in organic substances 
* As it is impossible to enter now into the details of the above 
two hypotheses, we leave unmentioned the circumstances under which 
the said process appears to others, when nitrogen or nitrous oxide 
enters into the compound radical. Our object was merely to bring 
into a parallel the principles of the views relating to the matter. 
