lary or Secondary Decomposition 143

trolysable, but that a portion of it is decomposed by
i evolved at the anode, producing secondary results,
i"th. the strength of the acid, the intensity of the
*d other circumstances.

states.—One of these has been referred to already,
tg" only secondary results relative to the acetic acid
tht many of the metallic acetates the results at both
are secondary (481, 485).

of soda fused and anhydrous is directly decomposed.
t believe, a true electrolyte, and evolving soda and
a.t the cathode and anode. These, however, have no
uira.tion, but are immediately resolved into other
; charcoal, sodiuretted hydrogen, etc., being set free
nerj and, as far as I could judge under the circum-
etic acid mingled with carbonic oxide, carbonic acid,
i latter.

vtctvic acid.—Pure solution of tartaric acid is almost
'oriductor as pure water. On adding sulphuric acid,
edL well, the results at the positive electrode being
r secondary in different proportions, according to
in the strength of the acid and the power of the
Tent (487). Alkaline tartrates gave a large proportion
Ty results at the positive electrode. The hydrogen
itlve electrode remained constant unless certain triple
Its were used.

utions, of salts containing other vegetable acids, as the
of sugar, gum, etc., dissolved in dilute sulphuric
isirij albumen, etc., dissolved in alkalies, were in turn
to the electrolytic power of the voltaic current. In
*ses, secondary results to a greater or smaller extent
iced at the positive electrode.

concluding this division of these Researches, it cannot
to the mind that the final result of the action of the
rrent upon substances placed between the electrodes,
being simple may be very complicated. There are
3 "by which these substances may be decomposed,
he direct force of the electric current, or by the action
vliich that current may evolve. There are also two
wlilch new compounds may be formed, i.e. by com-
f the evolving substances whilst in their nascent
>, directly with the matter of the electrode; or else
>In.a/tion with those bodies, which being contained
>cia/ted with, the body suffering decomposition, are

acid, and a little