CAROLINE.
In that case, I suppose, there would hardly be two compounds exactly similar, though composed of the same materials?
MRS. B.
On the contrary, it is found that a remarkable uniformity prevails, as to proportions, between the ingredients of bodies of similar composition. Thus water, as you may recollect to have seen in a former conversation, is composed of two volumes of hydrogen gas to one of oxygen, and this is always found to be precisely the proportion of its constituents, from whatever source the water be derived. The same uniformity prevails with regard to the various salts; the acid and alkali, in each kind of salt, being always found to combine in the same proportions. Sometimes, it is true, the same acid, and the same alkali, are capable of making two distinct kinds of salts; but in all these cases it is found that one of the salts contains just twice, or in some instances, thrice as much acid, or alkali, as the other.
EMILY.
If the proportions in which bodies combine are so constant and so well defined, how can Mr. Berthollet’s remark be reconciled with this uniform system of combination?
MRS. B.
Great as that philosopher’s authority is in chemistry, it is now generally supposed that his doubts on this subject were in a great degree groundless, and that the exceptions he has observed in the laws of definite proportions, have been only apparent, and may be accounted for consistently with those laws.
CAROLINE.
Pray, Mrs. B., can you decompose a salt by means of electricity, in the same way as we decompose water?