Notice.—Those persons subscribing for this Journal will please bear in mind to write in a plain hand the name, town, county, and state. By observing the above you will save us much trouble, and, at the same time, receive the Journal with more promptness.
G. K. W., Mass.—We have been unable to prepare the chemicals you ordered. Our arrangements are somewhat extensive in the department referred to.
M. S. W., Ala.—Mr. W. says, "Will you inform me, through your Journal or otherwise, Is iodine entirely lost when it combines with a few drops of a solution of potassa!"
It is not. The following experiment will better illustrate:—Put a few grains of iodine into a clean and dry Florence flask, warm it gradually over a spirit lamp, and the iodine rises in a vapor of beautiful violet color. When cool, pour in "a few drops of a solution of potassa," the iodine disappears at once, and a solution of iodide of potassium is formed; this may be heated to redness without evolving any violet fumes, and yet it is certain that iodine is there, but not in a free but a combined state, and heat cannot expel it from combination with the potassium. Let the flask cool a little, and add a few drops of sulphuric acid; the violet fumes of iodine instantly appear; the sulphuric acid has induced the formation of sulphate of potassa, and expelled the iodine unchanged.
F. B. B., Ky.—Your money is received, and the first Vol. forwarded per order. Thank you for your hearty congratulations.
J. G. P. R. I.—Yours of the 26th in hand. We advise you for the present to say nothing of your discovery: it probably has more valuable importance than you are at present aware of.
