gen equal to 28.83.* And 11.2 grains-1.9+8.3=102, and 11.2—10.2=1, all the estimations being made according to the standard, temperature and pressure. So that in this experiment on the decomposition of ammonia, the weight of the gases evolved is less by nearly one-eleventh than that of the ammonia employed; and this loss can only be ascribed to the existence of oxygen in the alkali; part of which probably combined with the platina wires employed for electrization, and part with hydrogen.

After these ideas the oxygen in ammonia cannot well be estimated at less than seven to eight parts to the hundred; and it probably exists in a larger proportion, as the gas evolved may contain more water than the gas decomposed, which of course would increase their volume and their absolute weight.+

In supposing ammonia a triple compound of nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen, it is no less easy to give a rational account of the phenomena of its production and decomposition, than in adopting the generally received hypothesis of its composition.

Oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen are always present in cases in which volatile alkali is formed; and it usually appears during the decomposition of bodies in which oxygen is loosely attached, as in that of the compounds of oxygen and nitrogen dissolved in water.

At common temperatures, under favourable circumstances, the three elements may be conceived capable of combining and of remaining in union; but at the heat of ignition the affinity of hydrogen for oxygen prevails over the complex attraction, water is formed, and hydrogen and nitrogen are evolved; and,

Researches Chim. et Phil. p. 9. From my experiments 100 cubical inches of nitrogen weighed, at the standard temperature and pressure, 29.6 grains. + In the present state of our knowledge, perfectly correct data for proportions cannot probably be gained in any experiments on the decomposition of ammonia, as it seems impossible to obtain the absolute quantity of water in this gas; for electrization, according to Dr. Henry's ingenious researches, offers the only means known of ascertaining the quantity of water in gases.

according to these conclusions, ammonia will bear the same relation to the fixed alkalies, as the vegetable acids with compound bases do to the mineral ones with simple bases.

Oxygen then may be considered as existing in and as form ing an element in all the true alkalies; and the principle of acidity of the French nomenclature might now likewise be called the principle of alkalescence.

From analogy alone it is reasonable to expect that the alkaline earths are compounds of a similar nature to the fixed alkalies, « peculiar highly combustible metallic bases united to oxygen. I have tried some experiments upon barytes and strontites, and they go far towards proving that this must be the case. When barytes and strontites, moistened with water, were acted upon by the power of the battery of 250 of 4 and 6, there was a vivid action and brilliant light at both points of communication, and an inflammation at the negative point.

In these cases the water might possibly have interfered. Other experiments, however, gave more distinct results.

Barytes and strontites, even when heated to intense whiteness in the electrical circuit by a flame supported by oxygen gas, are non-conductors: but, by means of combination with a very small quantity of boracic acid, they become conductors; and in this case inflammable matter, which burns with a deep red light in each instance, is produced from them at the negative surface.

The high temperature has prevented the success of attempts to collect this substance; but there is much reason to believe, that it is the basis of the alkaline earth employed.

Barytes and strontites have the strongest relations to the fixed alkalies of any of the earthly bodies; but there is a chain of

*The similarity between the properties of earths and metallic oxyds was noticed in the early period of chemistry. The poisonous nature of barytes, and the great specific gravity of this substance, as well as of strontites, led Lavoisier to the conjecture, that they were of a metallic nature. That metals existed in the fixed alkalies seems, however, never to have beeen suspected

resemblances through lime, magnesia, glucina, alumina and silex. And by the agencies of batteries sufficiently strong, and by the application of proper circumstances, there is no small reason to hope, that even these refractory bodies will yield their elements to the methods of analysis by electrical attraction and repulsion.

In the electrical circuit we have a regular series of powers of decomposition, from an intensity of action, so feeble as scarcely to destroy the weakest affinity existing between the parts of a saline neutral compound, to one sufficiently energetic to separate elements in the strongest degree of union, in bodies undecomposible under other circumstances.

When the powers are feeble, acids and alkalies, and acids and metallic oxyds, merely separate from each other; when they are increased to a certain degree, the common metallic oxyds and the compound acids are decomposed; and, by means still more exalted, the alkalies yield their elements. And, as far as our knowledge of the composition of bodies extends, all substances attracted by positive electricity are oxygen, or such as contain oxygen in excess; and all that are attracted by negative electricity are pure combustibles, or such as consist chiefly of combustible matter.

The idea of muriatic acid, fluoric acid, and boracic acid containing oxygen, is highly strengthened by these facts. And the general principle confirms the conjecture just stated, concerning the nature of the earths.

In the electrization of boracic acid moistened with water, I find that a dark coloured combustible matter is evolved at the negative surface; but the researches upon the alkalies have prevented me from pursuing this fact, which seems, however, to indicate a decomposition.

From their analogy to ammonia, nitrogen and hydrogen have been supposed" to be amongst their elements. It is singular, with regard to this class of bodies, that those most unlike metallic oxyds are the first that have been demonstrated to be such.

Muriatic acid, and fluoric acid, in their gaseous states, are non-conductors; and, as there is every reason to believe, that their bases have a stronger attraction for oxygen than water, there can be little hope of decomposing them in their aqueous solutions, even by the highest powers.

In the electrization of some of their combinations there is, however, a probability of success.

An immense variety of objects of research is presented in the powers and affinities of the new metals produced from the alkalies. In themselves they will undoubtedly prove powerful agents for analysis; and, having an affinity for oxygen stronger than any other known substances, they may possibly supersede the application of electricity to some of the undecompounded bodies.

The basis of potash, I find, oxydates in carbonic acid, and decomposes it, and produces charcoal when heated in contact with carbonate of lime. It likewise oxydates in muriatic acid; but I have had no opportunity of making the experiment with sufficient precision to ascertain the results.

In sciences, kindred to chemistry, the knowledge of the na ture of the alkalies, and the analogies arising in consequence, will open many new views; they may lead to the solution of many problems in geology, and show that agents may have operated in the formation of rocks and earths, which have not hitherto been suspected to exist.

It would be easy to pursue the speculative part of this inquiry to a great extent; but I shall refrain from so occupying the time of the society, as the tenor of my object in this lecture has not been to state hypothesis, but to bring forward a new series of facts.

*

No original communication of greater importance to our country at this period can be published, than the following one on Mering Sheep, taken from the Transactions of the New-York Society for the Promotion of useful Arts. It contains the best account we have seen of this valuable breed of animals, and demonstrates the great advantage of their introduction into the United States. We are persuaded this paper will be read with uncommon interest by every American; and it would be wrong in us not to give it greater publicity than it has yet received. A few copies only of the volume of transactions from which it is taken have been printed, principally for the use of the 1. members of the society, and none of them have ever been offered for sale. In our next number this respectable publication will be reviewed. In the mean time we think it our duty to recommend it to the booksellers to have it reprinted. It is a pity that so useful a work should not be extensively circulated. EDITORS.

An ESSAY on SHEEP, WOOL, and WOOLLEN MANUFACTUREs, showing the Advantage of improving American Wool, by the Introduction of Spanish Sheep, &c. By ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON, LL. D. President of the Society for the Promotion of useful Arts in the State of New-York.

I HAVE seen with pleasure that the agriculture of my native country has improved considerably, in the short space of four years, the time of my absence. Much, however, remains to be done before it acquires that perfection to which all nations should' aspire, but which none that I have seen in Europe, Lombardy and South Holland excepted, have in any degree attained. England, though she boasts with reason some of the best farmers in the world, is but partially improved, many districts are ill cultivated, and old habits are not yet rooted out. I shall, as time and leisure admit, take occasion to lay before you such