Preparation.--The mother-liquor containing bromides is treated with a current
of chlorine gas, which decomposes these salts, setting the bromine free,
which at once colors the liquid to a reddish brown color. Ether is added
and shaken with the liquid, until all the bromine is taken up by the ether,
which acquires a fine red color and separates from the saline liquid.

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Solution of caustic potash is then added to the ethereal solution,
forming bromide of potassium and bromate of potash. This solution
is evaporated to dryness, and the salts being collected are heated
in a glass retort with sulphuric acid and a little oxide of manganese.
The bromine is distilled, and is condensed in a cooled receiver,
into a red liquid.

Properties.--Bromine somewhat resembles chlorine in its odor,
but is more offensive. At common temperatures it is a very
volatile liquid, of a deep red color, and with a specific gravity
of 3, being one of the heaviest fluids known. Sulphuric acid
floats on its surface, and is used to prevent its escape.
At zero it freezes into a brittle solid. A few drops in a large
flask will fill the whole vessel when slightly warmed, with blood
red vapors, which have a density of nearly 6.00, air being one.
It is a non-conductor of electricity, and suffers no change
of properties from heat, or any other of the imponderable agents.
It dissolves slightly in water, forming a bleaching solution.

Chloride of Bromine.--This as an accelerating agent is by
many considered superior