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PROOFS Ol- THE PROPERTIES OP STRONTIA.

SECT. II.

EXPERIMENTAL PROOFS

OF

THE PROPERTIES OF STRONTIA

Experiment I,

Strontia tinges the Jlame of turning todies carmine-red.

^Jl'HIS may be shown by dissolving either strontia, or nitrate,

«

or muriate of strontia in ardent spirit and setting fire to the solu-tion, which will burn with a carmine-red flame.

Remark. ..The experiment is best performed by moisteningthe strontia with ardent spirit in a silver spoon, setting fire tothe mixture, and holding it while burning over the flame of acandle in order to cause a quick and rapid combustion.

Remark. ..It is curious that moisture is absolutely necessary,for if the alcali be totally deprived of water by heat it does notproduce this effect.

A beautiful red fire may also be produced by mixing one partof nitrate of strontia with two or three parts of charcoal powderand setting fire to the mixture with a red hot coal or a poker.

Experiment II.

Strontia combines with sulphur,

(Sulphuret of Strontia

If equal parts of strontia and sulphur are mingled together andexposed to a red heat, the substances unite and form a sulphuretof strontia of a yellowish brown colour.