MINUTE DIVISION OP MERCURY. 
247 
and a few small doses taken at intervals will effectually 
salivate ; if therefore we attribute its efficacy to the minute 
portion of mercury, which may "probably" become 
oxidized during the trituration of the mass, we need go only 
a step further to become the disciples of Hanneman. 
The manner in which mercury combines with other sub- 
stances, in the form of amalgams, is not a little mysterious, 
although it may probably throw some light on this subject. 
An amalgam of mercury and potassium placed on a piece of 
muriate of ammonia, and subjected to the action of voltaic 
electricity, increases in volume and weight, acquiring more 
ductility, and evidently entering into chemical union with the 
salt. 
The linimentum hydrargyri is said to salivate more freely 
than the unguentum — the camphor and ammonia appearing 
to promote its absorption. 
Tin, lead, and other metals, in conjunction with mercury, 
are vapourised at the boiling point of that metal. 
In manufactories, where mercury is vapourized to any 
considerable extent, the workmen are often salivated, and 
sometimes die in consequence of this insensible absorption of 
the metal thus minutely divided. 
The conversion of the metals into glass is another instance 
of metamorphosis, which can only be explained by a bare 
statement of the fact. A silver coin held in the hand of a 
person whose system is saturated with mercury, has been 
observed to become tarnished by the amalgam formed with 
the mercury exuding through the pores of the skin. 
Platina can also be reduced to a black powder, which con- 
sists of the pure metal, and is nevertheless so fine that it may 
be mixed with a vehicle and used as a pigment. Other 
metals may also be powdered. 
Arsenic exists in union with hydrogen as a gas, and in that 
state may be inhaled and assimilated like atmospheric air. 
From these facts, it is evident that the properties of a 
metal, in substance, afford no criterion of its effects or diffusi- 
