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that fundamental phenomenon, I used to call thc truc copulaof Chymistry and natural philosophy and obtained some resultsthat seem to speak very much in favor of my heretic opinion,according to which in all the oxysalts the electrolysing powerof the current is solely and exclusively exerted upon theirbasic oxides and that there is no such thing as an oxy-com-pound Jon.

I proposed Mr. Wiedemann to electrolize salts containingthe same base and acid in different proportions and sec whether,b)'" the same current, different or equal quantities of metal beeliminated from such salts. If my notion should happen tobe correct, it is manifest that under the circumstances mentioned,equal quantities ought to be eliminated. The salts as yetcarefully electrolyzed are the mono-and tribasic acetates oflead and Mr. Wiedemann has ascertained, that on electro-lysing them by the same current they yielded equal quantitiesof lead. I may add that in those experiments my collegueuses as a sort of voltameter a Solution of nitrate of silver i. e.the weight of metal being eliminated from that salt as the ....measure of the amount of thc electrolysing power of thecurrent employed. Now upon one cquivalcnt of silver Mr. W.obtained one equiv. of lead, both from thc neutral and tribasicacetate. Hence it seems to follow, that the current has nothingto do with the acid; in other terms that the lafter is no Anion.In my late paper "on the chemical effects of Electricity, Heatand Light" 1 have circumstancially developed my notions onthe Electrolysis of the Oxy-salts and you have perhaps takennotice of them.

I entertain no doubt you have spent the winter in highscientific spirits and performed some cxploits in spite ot thewarlike mood of the public mind, which by the bye, I do notrelish at all and am inclined to consider as madness. I hardlyneed teil you how happy I should feel if you would favornie soonQ

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with your good news and not requitc silence by