The decomposition of the fixed alkalies and alkaline earths (1807-1808) / Sir Humphry Davy.

  • Davy, Humphry, Sir, 1778-1829.
Date:
1901
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The decomposition of the fixed alkalies and alkaline earths (1807-1808) / Sir Humphry Davy. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by UCL Library Services. The original may be consulted at UCL (University College London)

    10/60 (page 6)
    examined by common chemical agents, or which at least have never been decomposed, it has been my good fortune to obtain new and singular results. Such of the series of experiments as are in a tolerably mature state, and capable of being arranged in a con- nected order, I shall detail in the following sections, particularly those which demonstrate the decomposition and composition of the fixed alkalies, and the production of the new and extraordinary bodies which constitute their bases. In speaking of novel methods of investigation, I shall not fear to be minute. When the common means of chemical research have been employed, I shall mention only results. A historical detail of the progress of the investigation, of all the difficulties that occurred, and of the manner in which they were overcome, and of all the manipulations employed, would far exceed the limits assigned to this Lecture. It is proper to state, however, that when general facts are mentioned, they are such only as have been deduced from processes carefully performed and often repeated. II. On the Methods used for the Decomposition of the fixed Alkalies. The researches I had made on the decomposition of acids, and of alkaline and earthy neutral compounds, proved that the powers of electrical decomposition were proportional to the strength of the opposite electricities in the circuit, and to the conducting power and degree of concentration of the materials employed. In the first attempts, that I made on the decomposition of the fixed alkalies, I acted upon aqueous solutions of potash and soda, saturated at common temperatures, by the highest electrical power I could command, and which