Page:Experimental researches in chemistry and.djvu/148

1824.] 'Chemical Dictionary,' 8vo, articles (muriatic acid oxygenized) and  (sulphurous acid); and that of chlorine is referred to by Murray, in his 'System,' ii. 550; although at page 405 of the same volume, he says that only sulphurous acid "and ammonia of these gases that are at natural temperatures permanently elastic, have been found capable of this reduction."

Carbonic Acid.—Another experiment, in which it is very probable that liquid carbonic acid has been produced, is one made by Mr. Babbage about the year 1813. The object Mr. Babbage had in view, was to ascertain whether pressure would prevent decomposition; and it was expected that either that would be the case, or that decomposition would go on, and the rock be split by the expansive force of carbonic acid gas. The place was Chudley Rocks, Devonshire, where the limestone is dark and of a compact texture. A hole, about 30 inches deep and 2 inches in diameter, was made by the workmen in the usual way; it penetrated directly downwards into the rock; a quantity of strong muriatic acid, equal to perhaps a pint and a half, was then poured in, and immediately a conical wooden plug, that had previously been soaked in tallow, was driven hard into the mouth of the hole. The persons about then retired to a distance to watch the result, but nothing apparent happened, and, after waiting some time, they left the place. The plug was not loosened at the time, nor was any further examination of the state of things made; but it is very probable that if the rock were sufficiently compact in that part, the plug tight, and the muriatic acid in sufficient quantity, that a part of the carbonic acid had condensed into a liquid, and thus, though it permitted the decomposition, prevented that development off power which Mr. Babbage expected would have torn the rock asunder.

Oil-Gas Vapour.—An attempt has been made by Mr. Gordon", within the last few years, and is still continued, to introduce condensed gas into use in the construction of portable, elegant, and economical gas-lamps. Oil-gas has been made use of, and, I believe, as many as thirty atmospheres have been thrown into vessels, which, furnished with a stopcock and jet, have afterwards allowed of its gradual expansion and combustion. During the condensation of the gas in this