32 
SELECTED ARTICLES. 
longer, and less fuel is required in the melting than by the 
ordinary method. 
This patent, in its principal feature, closely resembles one 
obtained in England by Thomas Howard, in 1801 ; — the 
specification of which is recorded in the Repertory of Arts, 
1st Series, Vol. 16. It is entitled "specification of a patent 
for a method of making a British barilla and potash, and of 
obtaining a greater quantity of alkali than hitherto discovered." 
In this process, quicklime, in large proportion, is added to 
refuse alkaline salts, by which means their decomposition is 
effected, and a large quantity of pure alkali obtained. 
I will now briefly state what I consider to be the advantages 
and disadvantages attending the American process above de- 
scribed. 
Increased amount of alkali obtained from the ashes. — 
From the certificate of a respectable gentleman which was 
submitted to the committee of the Legislature, it appears, that 
in an experiment which he tried, twelve bushels of ashes 
yielded upon the old or common plan, seventy-eight pounds 
of potash, whereas the same quantity of ashes treated accord- 
ing to the process in question, yielded one hundred and forty- 
five pounds. The general correctness of this result is con- 
firmed by the testimony of several intelligent manufacturers, 
with whom I have conferred. There is said also to be a great 
saving of time in performing the operation. 
The above advantages, are of course, derived from the use 
of small leach tubs and the employment of hot, instead of cold 
water ; by which the alkaline salt is more completely as well 
as more speedily dissolved. 
Employment of Quicklime. — Another benefit resulting 
from this process, arises from the mode in which the lime is 
mixed with the ashes in alternate layers. It should here be 
distinctly observed, that the effect of the employment of lime 
in the manufacture of potash, depends altogether upon cir- 
cumstances. When mixed with the ashes, previous to the 
lixivation, the resulting alkali is more pure or caustic, because 
the lime combines with the sulphuric and carbonic acids ex- 
