Hydrochloric Acid.—One part to 437 of water; four leaves were immersed
as before, each in thirty minims. After 6 hrs. only one leaf was
considerably inflected. After 8 hrs. 15 m. one had its tentacles and
blade well inflected; the other three were moderately inflected, and
the blade of one slightly. The surrounding fluid was not coloured at
all pink. After 25 hrs. three of these four leaves began to re-expand,
but their glands were of a pink instead of a red colour; after two more
days they fully re-expanded; but the fourth leaf remained inflected,
and seemed much injured or killed, with its glands white. Four leaves
were then treated, each with thirty minims of one part to 875 of water;
after 21 hrs. they were moderately inflected; and on being transferred
to water, fully re-expanded in two days, and seemed quite healthy.
Hydriodic Acid.—One to 437 of water; three leaves were immersed as
before, each in thirty minims. After 45 m. the glands were discoloured,
and the surrounding fluid became pinkish, but there was no inflection.
After 5 hrs. all the tentacles were closely inflected; and an immense
amount of mucus was secreted, so that the fluid could be drawn out into
long ropes. The leaves were then placed in water, but never
re-expanded, and were evidently killed. Four leaves were next immersed
in one part to 875 of water; the action was now slower, but after 22
hrs. all four leaves were closely inflected, and were affected in other
respects as above described. These leaves did not re-expand, though
left for four days in water. This acid acts far more powerfully than
hydrochloric, and is poisonous.
Iodic Acid.—One to 437 of water; three leaves were immersed, [page 191]
each in thirty minims; after 3 hrs. strong inflection; after 4 hrs.
glands dark brown; after 8 hrs. 30 m. close inflection, and the leaves
had become flaccid; surrounding fluid not coloured pink. These leaves
were then placed in water, and next day were evidently dead.
Sulphuric Acid.—One to 437 of water; four leaves were immersed, each in
thirty minims; after 4 hrs. great inflection; after 6 hrs. surrounding
fluid just tinged pink; they were then placed in water, and after 46
hrs. two of them were still closely inflected, two beginning to
re-expand; many of the glands colourless. This acid is not so poisonous
as hydriodic or iodic acids.
Phosphoric Acid.—One to 437 of water; three leaves were immersed
together in ninety minims; after 5 hrs. 30 m. some inflection, and some
glands colourless; after 8 hrs. all the tentacles closely inflected,
and many glands colourless; surrounding fluid pink. Left in water for
two days and a half, remained in the same state and appeared dead.
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