Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1888-11-10
AMATEUR CHEMISTRY.
A Science Closely Linked with the
Ignorance of Superstition.

Among simple experiments which can be
readily and cheaply exhibited, writes Rich
ard A. Proctor in the Louisville toEr'CF-
Journal. tho following may be mentioned,
which require only readily procarablc in
gradients and materials:
Pour into one glass 4 small quantity of
n solution of nitrate OF bismI 18th, and into
another a small quantity of solution OF
prussiate of potassium. These two liquids
are both colorless. But on pouring them
togethera liquid showing fine yellow color
is produced The chemical interchange
which takes place produces prussiate OF
bismuth and nitrate of potassium, in place
of nitrate of bismuth and prussiate Of po-
tassium. The prussiate of bismuth gives
the yellow color. In like manner a mixture
OF few drops of the colorless prussiate Of
potassium, with a small quantity of an
equally colorless solution Of the sulphate OF
iron, produces liquid which has beauti-
full blue tent, itself more than sufficient to
reward the experimenter by its loneliness
for the slight trouble and expense which
the experiment involves. Il must admit
that the beautiful colors and forms which
are obtained in many chemical experiments
have greater charm for me than even the
scientific principles which such expert
ments Illustrate; and, somewhat strangely,
find the artistic pleasure | derive from
color experiments increase with advancing
yearsl The blue color obtained in this ex-
pertinent is the familiar Prussiaa blue OF
our paint boxes. The decomposition which
takes place is simple. Sulphuric acid leaves
the iron TO combine with the potassium, the
potassium leaving the iron TO combine with
the prussic acid.
A little of the solution Of sulphate of cop
per mixed with the prussiate Of potassium
Of the last experiment, produces reddish
brown liquid, not particularly attractive in
color, the chemical decomposition giving
sulphate Of potassium and prusiate of cop
per.
The formation of black liquid from two
colorless liquids is interesting as being the
process by which the old ink of commerce
was formed. a small quantity of gGllic
tincture is to be added to water, and to the
colorless liquid thus obtained is to be added
small quantity of the sulphate Of iron.
The mixture becomes black. CThe gallo
acid unites with the iron in this expert
ment.)
Among chemical experiments of the most
striking nature those in which solids unite
to form liquids or liquids to form solids are
especially interesting. If equal parts of
sulphate of sodium and acetate Of lead, in
the form of the powder, be mixed together,
and thoroughly pounded in mortar, the
two solids by their mutual chemical inter-
action will be resolved into liquid. Again,
If muriate Of calcium and saturated solu-
ton of carbonate of potash be mixed to-
gether these two transparent liquids COM
bine to form sulphate of lime, an Opaque and
almost solid substance. II a little nitric
acid be added to the mixture it is changed
into transparent liquid
The study of chemistry even in the form
OF such simple experiments as these is es-
pecially valuable as illustrating processes
which take place within our own bodies,
in digestion, in respiration, and in the cir
culation of the blood. 1t is desirable even
when we are it health 10 have some idea OF
the physical nature of such processes; roI
an intelligent conception of SUCH matters
suggests the Importance of attention to diet
exercise, cleanliness, and 50 forth. Many
of the simplest details of our daily life in
volve important chemical principles, the
recognition of which encourages careful
regimen and attention to many matters
which are apt to be neglected. Among the
experiments we are constantly making are
those which depend on the intcractious Of
various forms of food, solid and liquid with
these fluids, being themselves the products
of chemical combinations and changes not
within out control, or but very slightly.
1t need hardly be said that where the
body is beng treated with medicines o.
various sorts, important chemical expert
ments are in progress which it is better fol-
many reasons to understand. OF course
for most persons under course of ncdica
treatment, implicit obedience to the in
structions of the doctor is proper and nee
essary. But even so it is better to know
why such obedience is desirable. Ignor
ance Of chemical principles more Otter
leads to neglect of the Doctors injunction!
than would the opposite fault Of to-
clear an idea of his plan anC
purpose; though / know many doc
tors entertain strong objections agains
giving any explanation of their pre-
scriptions or any reasons for adopt
ing them By this they avoid such unwis,
interference with their plans as might b.
suggested to some among their more in
quisitive patients. But on the other hand
nl-informed patients are apt to neglect de
tails which they mistakenly regarded a!
unimportant. A doctor, for instance, tells
patient to take some medicine half an hou1
after meals, and perhaps for few days tht
patient Jenus 10 tne injunction. But aftel
a while he becomes careless and from timt
TO time allows the proper time to pass, anC
not knowing any reason for supposing tina
the injunction as to time is important, hi
takes the medicine before meals instead O
after. A little knowledge of cherlistr1
would show him that the change, instead O
being matter of no moment may entirely
alter, or even reverse, tho effect Of the medi
cine.
Chemical experiments with the body
though cheap Where they belong either d
scientifically conducted regimen or to judi
cious control of the body by medical, appli
ances, are apt to be very dear indeed whert
there is insufficient knowledge Chemlca
reactions which are very interesting wher
watched in a laboratory may produce in
tense discomfort, danger or even death
when they proceed with the experirnenter',
body. A little knowledge is here danger
Gus thing, unless the learner is content Il
recognize the limits of his knowledge as in
dicating the necessity either for further
study or for obedience to the suggestions anc
injunctions of those who know more
|
Cloth Made OF Glass.
NJ Dubus Bonnet, Of Lille, France, ha.
invented process Of spinning and weat
ing glass into cloth The warp is composed