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Notices of Books-Notices of Patents.

believed was effected by means of a fine thread passing through the ceiling. The scientific ascents of Gay-Lussac, Bixio and Barral, and of Mr. Welch, under the auspices of the British Association, were then noticed. The only result of the last-named gentleman's voyages was the supposed discovery that the temperature of the air decreased one degree for every three hundred feet of elevation. Since that time, until Mr. Glaisher resumed the experiments, the balloon has only been used as a toy to please a crowd. A committee of the British Association, considering that experiments made on the earth were necessarily subject to the earth's influence, was anxious that further experiments should be made in the air to test the laws of refraction, to determine the pressure and temperature of the atmosphere, to compare the reading of the aneroid and mercurial barometers, to test the presence of ozone, to observe the vibrations of the magnet, to determine the dew point up to five miles of elevation, the greatest height at which man may be located, and also to observe the phenomena of sound, and make any general observations which might present themselves. Mr. Glaisher accordingly undertook these investigations, availing himself of the services of that experienced and scientific aeronaut, Mr. Coxwell. The balloon made use of had a capacity of 90,000 cubic feet. It was, on leaving the earth, only half filled with gas, as at the height of three miles and three-quarters the volume of gas is doubled. The lecturer gave an eloquent description of the sensations experienced in a balloon ascent -the rapid rise in the air without any sense of motion, the partial darkness in the clouds, and the bright sunshine behind them-the solemn stillness which reigns above the reach of earthly noises-the extensive views of landscape obtained at great elevations, and the extreme personal discomfort felt above an altitude of four miles. The lecturer then gave a very short and rapid account of the several ascents made, and came to the memorable voyage on September 5, 1862. On this occasion the balloon is supposed to have reached the height of 29,0co feet, but, on account of Mr. Glaisher's temporary insensibility, no observations were made above 26,000 feet. At this height his arms became powerless, his head dropped on his shoulder, he was unable to speak, he lost his eyesight, and finally sank down in the car of the balloon insensible. On the descent of the balloon, Mr. Glaisher soon recovered his strength and consciousness. The scientific results of these ascents have been but small; the lowest temperature recorded in the ascent of September 5, was-5°, at a height of five miles. The rate of decrease was found to vary with the condition of the sky, being much more rapid in a cloudy than a clear one, and by no means uniform in either; so the idea that temperature decreased 1° for every 300 feet of elevation must be abandoned. The humidity of the atmosphere was also found to vary according as the sky was clear or cloudy, and in a clear sky, at a height of five miles, there was found to be scarcely ary moisture at all. Sound passed very readily to a great height, the bark of a dog and the note of a railway whistle being heard clearly at an elevation of two miles. The aneroid barometer read correctly with the mercurial to seven inches. Mr. Glaisher passed very rapidly over these results, announcing that the tables of temperature and other things were in the hands of the printer, and would soon be distributed. In conclusion, the lecturer paid a well-merited compliment to Mr. Coxwell, and expressed his opinion that a balloon ascent was not safe beyond three miles, stating that above this height the personal distress experienced was so great that it became difficult to make accurate observations.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

On Chronic Alcoholic Intoxication. By W. MARCET, M.D., F.R.S. Second Edition. John Churchill and Sons. 1862. THIS work, which has reached a second edition, describes,

CHEMICAL NEWS, Feb. 14, 1863.

in the first place, the symptoms and effects of the longcontinued use of alcoholic stimulants in the human subject. The author distinguishes between delirium tremens, which is an acute and violent disturbance of the nervous system, and what he terms chronic alcoholism, which is a more or less disordered state of the brain, nerves, muscles, and stomach, brought on by the continual use of alcohol, even without intoxication being once produced. Having fully described the symptoms of the disease, Dr. Marcet gives an interesting account of the therapeutical effect of oxide of zinc in allaying and removing them. From his experiments on a large number of patients, oxide of zinc appears to be the true antidote in cases of alcoholic poisoning. It seems to act as a strong tonic on the nerves, being, at the same time, a powerful sedative and anti-spasmodic. In doses varying from two to ten grains per diem, it is also a valuable remedy in epilepsy, chorea, hysteria, paralysis, and lead palsy. The peculiar sleepproducing properties of zinc compounds cause this metal to stand apart from all others with whose therapeutical qualities we are acquainted. In recommending this book to our medical friends, let us also call their attention to the fact that, although chemists have discovered and described more than half a hundred metals, hardly more than half a dozen have been used for internal exhibition in human disorders. The fields and forests of the world are being ransacked by numberless intelligent pharmaceutists in search of new remedies. Let some of our readers follow their good example with regard to the mineral kingdom, and endeavour to add new remedies to our very small array of metallic curative agents.

NOTICES OF PATENTS.

2761. Treating Peat to Render it Useful as Fuel, and for Illuminating and Metallurgical Purposes. G. EVANS, Gloucester Terrace, Portman Square, London. Dated November 2, 1861.

THIS invention consists, in the first place, in depriving raw peat of the greater part of its moisture, so as to render it fit for a variety of practical purposes. The method of preparation for fuel is carried out by mixing with the saturated peat a quantity of wood charcoal, or other matters of a dry and absorbent nature, which by quickly abstracting its water will permit of the mass being moulded into any required shape, while the materials so added will not impair, but rather improve, the qualities of the peat. If required to be used for metallurgical purposes, the patentee adds ground quicklime or earthy minerals, which may afterwards serve as fluxing agents; or, if it is intended to be used in the smelting furnace, the dressed metallic ores may themselves be incorporated with the moist peat, and the fluxes being added will supply at once all that is necessary for charging the furnace and effecting the reduction of the ore.

For the manufacture of illuminating gas the inventor mixes the peat with coal tar, bituminous shale or the oil extracted from the same, petroleum oils, or any other cheap hydro-carbon, adding, if needful, a small proportion of quicklime to aid in the removal of water. materials are suitable for the production of lighting gas in retorts, and apparatus of the ordinary construction.

Such

2800. Preparing and Treating India-rubber and Guttapercha. W. A. SHEPARD, Pall Mall, London. Dated November 7, 1861.

In the preparation of gutta-percha or India-rubber by this process, the natural gum is purified in the first instance from gritty or extraneous particles by washing in the usual manner. The material is then thoroughly masticated and afterwards introduced into an iron receiver, in which a vacuum is created, and the air thus extracted from the

CHEMICAL NEWS,

Feb. 14, 1863.

Correspondence--Miscellaneous,

pores of the gum. Sulphur vapour is now admitted to the chamber, or a proportion of solid sulphur, never exceeding an ounce to a pound, may be incorporated by grinding with the gum, previously to its exposure in the exhausted receiver. In order to effect partial vulcanisation the well-kneaded material is exposed for three or four hours to a degree of heat which may vary between 300° and 450° Fahrenheit, according to the quality of the guttapercha or India-rubber. In some cases the employment of steam in a super-heated condition will prove advantageous. The gum is now once more kneaded or masticated to bring it into a suitable condition for mixing with pigments such as one of the following:- Prepared chalk or gypsum, white lead or zinc, magnesia or steatite, graphite, emery, pitch, boiled oils of various degrees of consistence, or colouring materials according to the class of goods to be manufactured therefrom. Along with one or more of the before-mentioned pigments, must always be added an additional proportion of sulphur, hyposulphite of lead, or of an equivalent compound of sulphur. The patentee claims also the mode of effecting the vulcanisation of gutta-percha by heating in a vacuum, ty which means a more compact and durable material is said to be produced.

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THE NEW GUN METAL.

A LETTER in the Times from one of our most distinguished metallurgists, signed with the well-known "Y," gives some interesting particulars respecting the new gun metal lately invented in Austria by Baron von Rosthorn. Before giving any account of this new alloy, the writer states his opinion that the days of wrought iron are numbered, and that its place will be soon supplied by steel in some form or other. The new alloy, which has received the name of "sterrometal," from a Greek word signifying tough or firm, is composed of copper, spelter, iron, and tin, in proportions that may be slightly varied without much affecting the result. colour it resembles brass rather than gun metal; it is very close in its grain, and free from porosity. It is possessed of considerable hardness, and will take a very fine polish. Several eminent Vienna engineers have

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The specimen tested at the Polytechnic Institute gave the following results per sectional inch (English) :—A bar, prepared by simple fusion, bore a weight of twenty-seven tons. Forged red-hot it broke at thirty-four tons. Drawn cold, at thirty-eight tons: the figures in the case of the specimen tried at the Imperial Arsenal being twenty-eight, thirty-two, and thirty-seven tons respectively; while the best English gun metal, containing ten per cent. of tin and ninety per cent. of copper, broke at eighteen tons under similar circumstances. The specific gravity of the metal is about 8.37 when forged hot. These results, which are official, are truly astounding when we consider that the average breaking strain of wrought iron, as given by Mr. Anderson, of Woolwich Arsenal, is only twenty-six tons, whilst that of the best steel is only thirty-five tons per sectional inch. The elasticity of the sterrometal is also very great. It may be stretched both of its length without undergoing permanent elongation; gun-metal giving only th, and wrought-iron 13th. No surprise is, therefore, felt when we are told that a tube of sterrometal is capable of resisting a pressure of 763 atmospheres, a tube of wrought-iron of similar size and form giving way under 267 atmospheres.

Quoting Mr. Anderson, the writer concludes by saying that the best alloy for guns is yet to be discovered. It seems to us, however, that sterrometal is very near perfection. The subject of alloys is one that, with constant and persevering experiment, must yield most valuable results, and we strongly advise any young chemist desirous of laurels and fortune to take up the matter. It seems singular that, with all our boasted knowledge of chemistry and metallurgy, there are but half-a-dozen alloys that may be turned to economic uses.

THE OIL SPRINGS OF AMERICA AND CANADA. THE transactions during the past month have been very large, though prices of refined in particular have, as will be read below, been very capricious. The accounts from all directions continue to show extraordinary development, and petroleum in every form attracts universal attention.

The large number of refiners that are commencing in this country suggest the query as to whether they will be able to distil to compete with the Americans or not. The scope is so great, the demand so general, and public criticism becoming so correct, that it must be admitted that, where there is real merit, appreciation will be found for both. At present, however, the American refining is so incomparably superior to the British, as to leave the former in absolute possession of every market in Burope.

Crude.-Early January found American nominal at 217. to 227., since which gradually lowering prices were accepted until we reached 177. 10s., under which there are The same date found Canadian good buyers now. nominal at 137. 10s., but it also gave way, and even 10l. was accepted. The nearest quotable price to-day, 10l. 10s. The sales of both kinds for the month about 4000 casks.

Refined. The new year found the best quality current at 2s. 3d. Advices of large shipments being made dulled the market, however, to 2s., which dullness was further accelerated by some holders determining to sell, with a prospect of a spring or summer replacement. Large

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Miscellaneous-Answers to Correspondents.

transactions took place, even at rs. 9d., when buyers coming in very spiritedly, a reaction again to 28. resulted. There was little permanency in the advance, and the market became unsettled. Pending the arrival of the Cheshire and the Adelaide, 18. 11d. to 1s. 9d. were again accepted; but on these vessels turning up, and their respective cargoes coming to the two ablest holders, prices at once advanced to 28. and 28. 3d., with large sales at the former, retail sales at the latter. The end of the month sees prices once more at 2s., and at this date there is a strong drooping tendency, with great cessation of demand. Benzine is 1s. 9d. to 2s., according to quality, with a good inquiry, and every symptom of a large spring business.

Wax.-Two or three parcels of pressed white are for sale this week, the value of which is 9d. to 1od. per lb. Lubricating Oils.-Some consignments to hand, of which more again.-Alex. S. Macrae, Liverpool.

CHEMICAL NEWS,
Feb. 14, 1863.

undergoing spontaneous decomposition, and bursting the bottle to pieces. (CHEMICAL NEWS, vol. ii., p. 243). Another instance of this decomposition occurred in Dr. Letheby's laboratory. The specimen of chloride was perfectly dry, and the bottle had not been opened since June last. While making an attempt to loosen the stopper it was projected with great violence. The residual gas was instantly secured by covering the bottle, which was not broken. It was colourless, there was no odour of chlorine, but when tested by a match with spark it was re-lighted several times-an experimental proof that the result of the decomposition was oxygen.

SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES.

MEETINGS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. February 16. Monday. ASIATIC-5, New Burlington Street. 3 p.m. MEDICAL—32A, George Street, Hanover Square. 8.30 p.m. 17. Tuesday. ROYAL INSTITUTION-Albemarle Street. 3 p.m. Professor Marshall," On Animal Mechanics." CIVIL ENGINEERS-25, Great George Street, Westminster. 8.30 p.m. STATISTICAL-12, St. James's Square. 8 p.m. PATHOLOGICAL-55, Berners Street. 8 p.m. ETHNOLOGICAL-4, St. Martin's Place, Trafalgar Square. 8 p.m. Mr. Crawfurd, "On the History of the Gypsies;' by Dr. Shortt, "A Brief Account of the Yenadies of the Chingleput District."

8 p.m.

3 p.m.

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A Martyr to Science.—It is with real pain that we have to announce to our readers the death of Mr. Lucas Barrett, the distinguished naturalist, who was accidentally drowned whilst investigating the structure of some coral reefs at Port Royal, Jamaica. All who visited the Jamaica Court at the International Exhibition will remember the enthusiasm and painstaking kindness with which this gentleman was ever ready to show and explain the various mineral and geological specimens collected and exhibited by him. Although one of the most active of the Jamaica Commissioners, he still found time to officiate as one of the local secretaries of the British Association, besides keeping a term at Cambridge. Before returning to 18. Wednesday. Jamaica to renew his researches as one of the chief mem- SOCIETY OF ARTS-John Street, Adelphi. 8 p.m. A. N. bers of the West Indian Geological Survey, he ordered Shaw, "On the Best Means of Promoting the Growth and a diving dress and pumping apparatus of the latest and Improving the Quality of Cotton in India." most scientific construction, for the purpose of personally GEOLOGICAL-Somerset House. 8 p.m. examining the rocks and coral reefs lying in the neighbourhood of most of the West India islands. He first tried 19. Thursday. ROYAL INSTITUTION-Albemarle Street. this dress at Port Royal, on December 17, in shallow Frankland, "On Chemical Affinity." water, and was so well pleased with the result that he determined to give it a trial in deeper water. Two days CHEMICAL-Burlington House. ROYAL-Burlington House. 8.30 p.m. afterwards he took with him his servants and boat's crew, LINNEAN-Burlington House. 8 p.m. all of whom were negroes, and descended into the deep ANTIQUARIES--Somerset House. 8.30 p.m. water between the reefs. The men in the boat continued to pump without intermission as on the former ZOOLOGICAL-11, Hanover Square. 4 p.m. ROYAL SOCIETY CLUB-St. James's Hall. 6 p.m. occasion, but they noticed that he remained longer in the water than usual. Suddenly, to their horror, they NUMISMATIC-13, Gate Street, Lincoln's Inn Fields. 7 p.m. saw him floating on the surface at a little distance 20. Friday. from the boat. They got to him as quickly as posROYAL INSTITUTION-Albemarle Street. 8 p.m. Rev. G. sible, but all was over. The cause of his death will Williams, "On Recent Discoveries at Jerusalem." remain a mystery. He was not drowned by the influx of GEOLOGICAL-Somerset House. 1 p.m. Anniversary. the water, as the diving-dress contained only air. The PHILOLOGICAL-Somerset House. 8 p.m. only explanation to be given is, that the air exit valves became permanently closed in some mysterious manner; but even this seems open to doubt, as the men continued to pump without interruption. Mr. Barrett was only twenty-five years of age when he died; and the enormous amount of valuable work done by him during his brief career, gave promise of his speedily becoming one of the chief ornaments of the science he so ardently loved, and to the too enthusiastic pursuit of which he fell a victim. For three years before his engagement on the West Indian survey, he delivered most of the geological lectures for Professor Sedgwick, and was made by him curator of the Woodwardian museum at that university. His collection of Radiata in that Museum is one of the finest in the world. His loss to science will be felt severely, not merely on account of his own personal exertions in the cause of truth, but from the enthusiasm he communicated to those who had the privilege of his acquaintance.

Spontaneous Decomposition of Chloride of Lime. -About three years ago Dr. Hoffman mentioned the case of a choice specimen of chloride of lime in his laboratory

21. Saturday. ROYAL INSTITUTION-Albemarle Street. Max Müller, "On Language."

3 p.m. Prof.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

All Editorial Communications are to be addressed to the EDITOR; and Advertisements and Business Communications to the PUBLISHER, at the Office, 1, Wine Office Court, Fleet Street, London, E.C.

Received.-M. P. 8., next week; Quero; A Subscriber, &c.
W. W.-It is a solution of permanganate of lime.

G. H. F.-1. Answer next week. 2. Bisulphide of carbon will dissolve sulphur. Thanks for suggestions.

A. Z. F.-We are obliged to our correspondent. As far as possible we report all that we think will interest our readers.

G. C. C.-We are not at present in possession of the information. None but those practically engaged in the operation could give it. E. P.-Evaporate the solution to dryness, powder the residue finely, mix with an equal weight of litharge, and fuse at a strong red heat. A button of lead and gold remains, from which the lead may spongy mass. be dissolved by warm nitric acid. The gold then remains as a loose,

THE CHEMICAL NEWS.

VOL. VII. No. 168.-February 21, 1863.

SCIENTIFIC AND ANALYTICAL

CHEMISTRY.

Researches upon Artificial Colouring Matters.-On the Composition of the Blue Colours Derived from the Tertiary Monamines of the Chinoline Series, by A. W. HOFMANN, F.R.S., Ph.D.

THE chemists who visited the International Exhibition will not easily forget the magnificent collection of products exhibited in the French Court by M. Menier, of Paris. Among those compounds, as remarkable for variety as for beauty, some superb crystals of cyanine, rivalling in brilliancy the acetate of rosaniline of Mr. Nicholson, especially attracted attention. M. Menier, who has produced this colouring matter upon a very large scale, has kindly put at my disposal some of these most beautiful crystals, in the hope that a detailed examination might lead to a method which would give stability to this new colour, unequalled for brilliancy and purity of tint by any other blue recently derived from coal-tar. The composition and mode of formation of the cyanine being unknown, I have seized with avidity the opportunity of examining this interesting substance. I ought to mention that, in a practical point of view, my experiments have failed; nevertheless, during the course of my studies of the nature of this until now obscure substance, I have been led to the observation of some facts which may be useful in its history, and which I take the liberty of submitting to the Academy.

The discovery of blue compounds derived from chinoline and its homologues dates as far back as 1856. At that time, M. Greville Williams renewed the examination of the bases extracted by M. Runge from coal-tar, and obtained by Gerhardt from the atkaloids of the cinchona barks, the identity of composition of which I recognised in one of my first researches. Amongst the numerous compounds of these bases so carefully examined by M. Williams, were also found the methylic and ethylic derivatives, especially the iodide of methylleucolyl-ammonium, which I obtained in my research on the action of iodide of methyl on ammonia and its analogues. It was in this compound of chinoline, obtained by distillation from cinchonine, and in separating the corresponding oxide to this iodide by means of oxide of silver, that M. Williams first observed the magnificent coloration which has led to the discovery of this new tinctorial matter, now known under the name of "cyanine."

Phenomena exactly similar were observed later, by M. Von Babo, in treating chinoline with the sulphates of methyl and ethyl, and the colouring substances thus produced were named by this chemist, "methyl" and "ethyl-irisines." M. Williams was inclined to attribute the formation of this new substance, in which he recog

* Trans. Royal Society Edinburgh, vol. xxi., part 3.

14 2

18

nised distinctly basic properties, to a process of oxidation, M. Von Babo, although with much reserve, represents the substances which he obtained by the improbable formulæ, C2H1N2O, and CHINO. Since this time, strange to say, no effort has been made to establish, by further investigation, the composition of without these remarkable phenomena again attracting these singular bodies. Indeed, several years slipped by the attention of chemists, until the development of the manufacture of aniline and its products drew from oblivion reactions which have since awakened general interest among dyers. M. Williams has shown, that among the colouring compounds obtained by the action of the iodides of the alcohol radicals upon bases of the chinoline series, that obtained by the action of iodide of amyl is particularly remarkable for its tinctorial power. He gave a very interesting description of it, as well as precise details as to the manufacture of this body, and it was soon after known in commerce as cyanine. Unfortunately, the dye produced by cyanine is even more fugitive than brilliant, and the hopes then enter-tained as to its commercial future have not yet been realised. Nevertheless, the importance attached by dyers to M. Williams' discovery is sufficiently shown by the offer of a prize of 10,000 fr., made by the Industrial Society of Mulhouse, for the discovery of a means of fixing the colour produced by cyanine.

The crystals given me by M. Menier were prisms sufficiently well formed for a crystallographical examination. They are at the present moment in the hands of M. Quintino Sella. Their faces glisten with a metallic green lustre with a golden reflection, which, along with their form, distinguishes them from the acetate of rosaniline, which they resemble in all other points. The crystals are nearly insoluble in ether, with difficulty soluble in water, but they easily dissolve in alcohol. The solution is of a deep blue colour, with a coppery lustre on the surface. The addition of an acid destroys this colour; ammonia and the fixed alkalies seem not to alter it, but give place to a deep blue precipitate, the filtrate from which is colourless. The green crystals were recognised as the iodide of a particular base; the iodine is retained with tenacity, but it may be precipitated from the alcoholic solution by oxide of silver, which sets free the base. In like manner, the iodine may be replaced by bromine and chlorine, when the solution is treated by the bromide or chloride of silver. The analysis gave results leading to the formula CH39N,I, which was further confirmed by the examination of a platinum salt crystallising in small rhomboidal tables. They were obtained by precipitation with bichloride of platinum of the chloride corresponding to the iodide in presence of an excess of hydrochloric acid. Nevertheless, a slight difference between the theoretical values of the formula and the results of the experiment induced me to admit in the crystals the presence

↑ See CHEMICAL NEWS, October 20, 1860, vol. ii., p. 219.

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Researches upon Artificial Colouring Matters.

56 35

of an homologous compound containing less carbon and hydrogen, CH,NI. This hypothesis, little encouraged at first by the remarkable stability in composition of the iodide, even after three or four crystallisations, was entirely confirmed when the chloride was submitted to a methodical fractional precipitation by bichloride of platinum. After several repetitions of this process, there was obtained two platinum salts, of which the one, the least soluble, was recognised as the pure platinum salt corresponding to the iodide with sixty equivalents of carbon, whilst the other was sufficiently pure to be recognised as, in fact, belonging to the homologous iodide with four equivalents of carbon less. The quantity of iodide, CH3N2I, which soils-if one may apply such a term to so beautiful a substance the iodide, CH39N2I, is so small in quantity, that its presence does not materially influence the results obtained in the ultimate analysis of the compound. There is no difficulty in explaining the formation of this iodide. The substance is evidently derived from lepidine, C2,H,N, so that the extremely small proportion of the other iodide is due to the presence of a small quantity of chinoline, CH-N, in the volatile bases operated upon. Indeed, M. Williams, in describing the preparation of cyanine, distinctly observes, that the chinoline does not require to be absolutely pure for the success of the operation. Besides, M. Menier wished, also, to furnish me with a considerable quantity of the crude product of the distillation of cinchonine, and from which the green crystals were obtained at his manufactory. The latter (the crude product) was recognised as a mixture of several bases, in which the presence of lepidine and chinoline was ascertained, without the slightest difficulty, by the analysis of the platinum salts. It is necessary to distinguish two different phases in the formation of the new iodide. First, the transformation of the lepidine into iodide of amyl-lepidyl-ammonium,——

C20H NC10H1I = C30H20NI

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CeoHON2I2C60H39N,I,HI. These crystals are isomeric with iodide of amyl-lepidylammonium, from which they, nevertheless, differ in all their properties. They dissolve in cold water without decomposition, but in treating them with hot water or alcohol the blue colour immediately re-appears, the mono-acid compound being re-produced. The same change takes place at 100°, so that, in preparing the substance for analysis, it must be dried in vacuo.

By the facility with which its di-acid compounds change into mono-acid salts, this substance resembles rosaniline, which, as I before remarked, also forms unstable, colourless salts. The green iodide dissolves easily also in hydrochloric and hydrobromic acids, yielding perfectly colourless solutions, which deposit well crystallised salts containing respectively, besides iodine, chlorine and bromine. In submitting the green iodide,

60

CHEMICAL NEWS, Feb. 21, 1863.

dissolved in alcohol or aqueous hydrochloric acid, to the action of chloride of silver, all the iodine separates in the form of iodide. There is produced a blue solution which, when slowly evaporated, deposits the mono-acid chloride in green prisms, with a metallic lustre and of perfect beauty, containing CH3N2Cl. Dissolved in hydrochloric acid, these prisms furnish a di-acid compound, which, after a long evaporation in vacuo, separates in straw-yellow needles. The very deliquescent character of this substance hindered me from analysing it; but if there existed any doubt that this compound contained CenH10N2C1=C60H39N2C1, HCl,

it would be removed by the analysis of a beautiful platinum salt, difficultly soluble, crystallising from an alcoholic solution containing much hydrochloric acid in small rhomboidal tables, which are deposited whenever bichloride of platinum is added to the solution of the di-acid chloride, and which were ascertained by analysis to contain C6H10N2C12,2PtCl2. I prepared likewise a beautiful gold salt. The mono-acid bromide deposited in fine needles, easily crystallisable, and the di-acid sulphate, a magnificent colourless salt, was obtained without difficulty in perfectly developed rhombic tables. I did not multiply the analyses, because I was fortunate enough to observe a reaction which thoroughly corroboborated the anylytical results. Remembering the simple breaking up which I had noticed in exposing the iodide of tetrethyl-ammonium, which changes this compound into iodide of ethyl and tri-ethylamine, I was induced to submit to distillation the green iodide which forms the starting-point in these investigations. These crystals fuse easily into a blue liquid with a shining coppery surface. If the temperature be raised, decomposition takes place, and a mixture of lepidine and iodide of amyle condenses in the receiver, the return of which into the state of iodide of amyl-lepidine ammonium may be prevented by receiving them in hydrochloric acid. At the same time, there is disengaged a gas which burns with a brilliant white flame, condensable by bromine, and which, by means of a worm surrounded with ice, was easily condensed into a very volatile liquid. was a sufficient quantity of this hydrocarbon obtained to determine its boiling point, which corresponded with that of pure amyline. If the heat is carefully applied to the retort, the quantity of carbon remaining is comparatively small. The observed phenomena are explained by the following equations:

C60H39N,I=2C30H,N+ C10H11I+C10H10

There

At this point I proved also in the green crystals the presence of the homologous chinoline compound. Indeed, after having separated from the iodide of amyle the hydrochlorate of the volatile base, and distilling with potash, and receiving aside the first portion of the base which comes over with the vapour of water, I ascertained, by aid of the platinum salts, that that substance consisted of chinoline; whilst the portion distilling towards the end was recognised by analysis to be pure lepidine.

The results obtained in these experiments furnish a new illustration of the tendency to molecular accumularion which distinguishes the ammonias and their derivatives. A few weeks ago I had the honour to present to the Academy a note on a compound of this class obtained as a secondary product in the manufacture of aniline. The coloured derivatives of the bases of the chinoline series present striking analogies in composition to paraniline.

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