_Galena_ 10 10 10 10 15 20 Quartz -- 15 -- 15 5 -- Nitre -- -- 5 5 7.5 11 Lead got 33.5 33.5 13.0 14.0 19.5 22.7 The variation in some of these experiments, in which we might have expected similar results, is due to the fact that the sulphur, and in some cases the metals, are capable of two degrees of oxidation. For example: theoretically 1 gram of iron pyrites (FeS_{2}) would yield 8.6 grams of lead if the sulphur were oxidised to sulphurous oxide (SO_{2}), and the iron to ferrous oxide (FeO); whilst if the sulphur were oxidised to sulphate (SO_{3}), and the iron to ferric oxide, 12.9 grams of lead will be thrown down. Similarly the yield with copper pyrites would be 7.5 or 11.6; with blende, 6.4 or 8.5; with antimonite, 5.5 or 8; and with galena, 2.6 or 3.4. As regards the metals, the lower oxide will always be formed if the assay is carried out properly (fused under a cover, and with a sufficiency of reducing agent). But the proportion of sulphur oxidised completely will vary with the conditions of the assay. With a slag containing much soda the tendency will be to form sulphate, and, in consequence, a big reduction of lead; whilst with an acid slag containing much quartz the tendency will be for the sulphur to go off as sulphurous oxide (SO_{2}). In a fusion with litharge alone all the sulphur will be liberated as the lower oxide, whilst with much soda it will be wholly converted into sulphate. For example: 3 grams of an ore containing a good deal of pyrites and a little galena, gave, when fused with litharge, 16.5 grams of lead. A similar charge, containing in addition 20.0 grams of soda, gave 22.5 grams of lead. It will be noted from the experiments that 1 gram of nitre kept up on the average 4 grams of lead; the range being from 3.2 with acid slags to 5.3 with very basic ones. These facts serve to explain some apparently irregular results got in practice. CUPELLATION.