Yes, for though we cannot deoxygenate this acid, yet we may add oxygen to it.
CAROLINE.
Why, then, is not the least degree of oxygenation of the acid called the muriatous, and the higher degree the muriatic acid?
MRS. B.
Because, instead of becoming, like other acids, more dense, and more acid by an addition of oxygen, it is rendered on the contrary more volatile, more pungent, but less acid, and less absorbable by water. These circumstances, therefore, seem to indicate the propriety of making an exception to the nomenclature. The highest degree of oxygenation of this acid has been distinguished by the additional epithet of oxygenated, or, for the sake of brevity, oxy, so that it is called the oxygenated, or oxy-muriatic acid. This likewise exists in a gaseous form, at the temperature of the atmosphere; it is also susceptible of being absorbed by water, and can be congealed, or solidified, by a certain degree of cold.
EMILY.
And how do you obtain the oxy-muriatic acid?
MRS. B.
In various ways; but it may be most conveniently obtained by distilling liquid muriatic acid over oxyd of manganese, which supplies the acid with the additional oxygen. One part of the acid being put into a retort, with two parts of the oxyd of manganese, and the heat of a lamp applied, the gas is soon disengaged, and may be received over water, as it is but sparingly absorbed by it.—I have collected some in this jar—
CAROLINE.