person, before he can become an expert blowpipe analyst, must be
acquainted with the characteristic tests as applied in the wet way.

* * * * *




Part II.

INITIATORY ANALYSIS.


Qualitative analysis refers to those examinations which relate simply
to the presence or the absence of certain substances, irrespective of
their quantities. But before we take cognizance of special
examinations, it would facilitate the progress of the student to pass
through a course of Initiatory Exercises. These at once lead into the
special analysis of all those substances susceptible of examination by
the blowpipe. The Initiatory Analysis is best studied by adopting the
following arrangement:


1. EXAMINATIONS WITH THE GLASS BULB.


The glass of which the bulb is made should be entirely free from lead,
otherwise fictitious results will ensue. If the bulb be of flint
glass, then by heating it, there is a slightly iridescent film caused
upon the surface of the glass, which may easily be mistaken for