PROOFS OF THE PROPERTIES OF ZINC.

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Experiment IV.

Zinc detonates rapidly with nitrate of potash.

Mix equal parts of nitrate of potash and filings of zinc, andproject the mixture by spoonfuls into a crucible which has beenbrought to a state of ignition. When the powder has acquireda certain degree of heat, a strong detonation suddenly takesplace; as soon as it ceases throw another spoonful of the mix-ture into the vessel, and repeat the operation till the whole quan-tity is consumed. The residuum will be an oxid of zinc.

Remark. ..This experiment requires a great deal of caution toprevent accidents.

Experiment V.

Zinc detonates, ly percussion, with oxigenated muriate ofpotash.

When a few grains of fine zinc filings and oxigenated muriateof potash are struck on an anvil, a violent detonation takes place,with a white flame.

Experiment VI.

Zinc decomposes muriate of mercury.

Distil two parts of muriate of mercury and one of zinc, in aglass retort; a salt which crystallizes in small needles united to-gether will be sublimed, and the mercury will remain fluid inthe retort. This salt is muriate of zinc.