Wichita eagle., 1889-03-06
7. /. FOX & SON,
cash HOUSE,"
$50 North Main Street.
AMATEUR CHEMISTRY.
a Science Closely Linked with the
Ignorance Of Superstition.

4SAoi c1iAS0 VI Oup01 . OAIIohs
Among simple experiments which can be
readily and cheaply exhibited, writes Rich
ard a. Proctor in the Louisville Courier
Journal, the following may be mentioned,
which require only readily procurable in
gradients and materials:
Pour into one glass small quantity of
a solution Of nitrate of bi5muth, and into
another 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-
ful blue tent, itself more than sufficient to
reward the eXperimenter by it's loneliness
for the slight trouble and expense which
the experiment involves. q 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
j lind the artistic pleasure l derive from
color experiments increase with advancing
years. The blue color obtained in this ex-
pertinent is the familiar Prussian 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 pertinent, produces reddish
brown liquid, not particularly attractive in
color, the chemical decomposition giving
sulphate of potassium and prusate of cop
per.
The formation of a 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 gallo
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
acld 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
su!phate Of sodium and acetate of lead. in
the form Of the powder, be mixed together,
and thoroughly pounded in q mortar, the
Two solids by their mutual chemical inter
action viii be resolved into liquid. Again,
If muriate Of calcium and d saturated solu-
ton Of carbonate of potash be mixed to-
gether these two transparent liquids COM
bine TO form sulphate of line, an opaque md
almost solid substance. If 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. It is desirable even
when we are it health TO have some idea of
the physical nature of such processes; tor
an intelligent conception of such matters
suggests the Importance of attention to diet,
exercise, cleanliness and so 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 interactions of
various forms of food, solid and LIQUID. with
the various fluids produced within the body.
these fluids, being themselves the products
OF chemical combinations and chang eS not
within out control, or but very slightly.
1t need hardly be said that where the
body is beng treated with medicines Of
various sorts, important chemical expert
ments are in progress which it is better for
many reasons TO understand. OF course,
Tor most persons under a course Of medical
treatment, implicit obedience to the in
struclons 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 often
leads to neglect OF the doctors injunctions
than would the opposite fault of too
clear an idea of his plan and
purpose; though l know many doc
tors entertain strong objections against
giving any explanation Of their pre-
scripions or any reasons for adopt /
ing them. By this they avoid such unwise
with their plans as might be /
suggested TO some among their more in /
QuIsitlve patients. But on the other hand.
patients are apt to neglect de- I
tails which they mistakenly regarded as
a doctor, for instance. tells a
patient to take some medicine half an hour
after meals, and perhaps for few DAYS the /
patient tends to the injunction. But after /
a while he becomes careless, and from time /
to time allows the proper time 10 pass, and +
not knowing any reason for surprising that 4
the injunction as 10 time IS important, he 1
takes the medicine before meals instead Of /
after. A little knowledge of chemistry I
would show him that the change, instead of /
beng matter of no moment may entirely /
alter, or even reverse, the effect Of the medi- !
cine
Chemical experiments with the BODY. /
though cheap where they belong either to /
scientifically conducted regimen or 10 Judi /
cious control of the body by medica! appli- /
ances, are apt TO be very dear indeed where 1
there is insufficient knowledge. Chemical /
reactions which are very interesting when /
watched IN 4 laboratory may produce in /
tense discomfort. danger or even death. /
when they proceed with the experimenter,s |
hoGE. - little knowIe.ige is here danrar- /