SEPARATION OF POTASSA AND SODA. 
233 
obvious from paragraphs 1 and 2, that the mixture of potash 
and soda will weigh 14. 
" Let the [number of] atoms of potash in the mixture be x, 
and those of soda y, it is plain that we have: 
14 — 4 y 
6 x -f 4 y=14, and x — — - 
" By comparing paragraphs 2 and 3, it is obvious that the 
weight of the chlorine in the 24.5 grains of the mixed chlo- 
ride obtained is 13.5 grains. For it must be equivalent to the 
15 grains of sulphuric acid. In this mixed chloride the potash 
is converted into potassium, and consequently its atom only 
weighs 5, while the atom of sodium weighs 3. We have, 
therefore, 
5x + 3^ + 13.5=24.5 and x = U ~ 3 # 
If we equate these two values of x, we have 
14— 4y_ll — 3y 
6 ~~ 5~~ 
By solving this equation, we obtain y=2. From which 
we deduce x=l. 
Thus it appears, that in the supposed mixture there were 
6 grains of potash and 8 grains of soda." 
Now it seems to me that the third step in the analysis, 
namely, that contained in paragraph 3, is unnecessary, all the 
numbers required for the calculation having been obtained by 
the first and second steps. 
By the first step we obtain the weight of the mixed sulphates; 
by the second the amount of sulphuric acid present, whence 
results the weight of the mixed alkalies. But incidentally 
we have obtained the quantity of oxygen present in the mix- 
ed alkalies; for the chloride of barium and the sulphates of 
potassa and soda have by their reaction formed sulphate of 
baryta, and chlorides of potassium and sodium. And the 
oxygen of the baryta in the sulphate of baryta, is equal to the 
oxygen of the two alkalies. Subtracting this from the weights 
of the alkalies we have, without the necessity for the third 
VOL. II. — NO. III. 30 
