254

AMMONIA.

AMMONIA.

PART LXXI.

Ammonia is very different from all the preceding alca-ldes by its great volatility ; its irritating and pungent odour jits easy decomposition and recomposition, and consequent-ly its well known nature. We are not capable of produc-ing it pure in the solid form, but it always appears either com-bined with water, in a liquid state (liquid ammonia) or inthe state of gas. It forms the prussic acid with ignited char-coal. It dissolves phosphorus and sulphur. It neither actsnor is acted upon by any terrene substance. It has greatlyassisted the progress of modern chemistry in the knowledge ofanimal matters. Its nature and properties have been fully in-vestigated under the article ammoniacal gas. (Vol. I. p. 30Q).