When the tube had been reddened in a furnace adapted to the purpose, the flame of a spirit lamp was applied to the bottom of the retort. A great quantity of gas was collected in the water apparatus; of this the first portions were rejected, and the last transferred to the mercurial trough.
A small quantity examined, did not at all diminish with nitrous gas, and burnt with a lambent white flame, in contact with common air.
2¾ of this gas, equal to 110 grain measures, were fired with 2, equal to 80, of oxygene, in a detonating tube, by the electric spark. They were reduced to 2¼, or 90. On introducing to the remainder a solution of strontian, it became slightly clouded on the top, and an absorption of some grain measures took place.
It was evident, then, that in this experiment, charcoal[61] had been somehow present in the tube; which being dissolved by the nascent hydrogene, had rendered it slightly carbonated, and in consequence made the results inconclusive.
A tube of thick green glass carefully made clean, was now employed, inclosed in the porcelain tube. Every other precaution was taken to prevent the existence of sources of error, and the experiment conducted as before.
140 grain measures of the gas produced, fired with 120 of oxygene, left, in two experiments, nearly 110. Solution of strontian placed in contact with the residuum, did not become clouded, and no absorption was perceived.
Now 150 measures of gas were destroyed, and if we take Lavoisier’s and Meusnier’s estimation of the composition of water, and suppose the weight of oxygene to be 35 grains, and that of hydrogene 2,6 the hundred cubic inches; the oxygene employed will be to the hydrogene as 243 to 576. Put x for the oxygene, and y for the hydrogene.
Then
x + y = 150
x : y :: 243 : 576