The appearance of this amalgam is so very like that of the ammoniacal compound formed by exposing a solution of ammonia in contact with mercury to the influence of the Voltaic pile, or when an amalgam of potassium and mercury is placed upon moistened muriate of ammonia, that it is impossible not to be struck with the resemblance. Mr. Daniell is therefore inclined to believe that the production of the latter may be explained upon the same principles as that of the former. When the effect is produced by the direct application of the electrical current, by means of the battery, it ceases the moment the connexion between the poles is broken; and when brought about by the agency of the amalgam of potassium, the electrical action is doubtless excited by the contact of the two dissimilar metals, and the frothy compound lasts no longer than the existence of the potassium in the metallic state; whereas in the action between mercury and finely divided platinum, the permanence of the metals produces a much more lasting effect, and the soft amalgam may therefore be preserved for a greater length of time. Mr. Brande, in a late communication in the Journal of the Royal Institution,[85] observes: "Shortly after the discovery of a method of obtaining Morphia in a pure state, I remember that Sir Humphry Davy suggested the possibility of its affording, when electrised in contact with mercury, results corresponding with those which Berzelius had observed in respect to ammonia. He thought that the nascent elements of the morphia, as liberated by electrical decomposition, might, under such circumstances, effect a similar apparent amalgam of the mercury, and he spoke of the subject as likely to throw some light upon the corresponding ammoniacal combinations. He made, I believe, a few experiments upon the subject; but as the results were not such as he had anticipated, they were not placed on record." [85] "On the Electro-chemical Decomposition of the Vegeto-Alkaline Salts." In this communication, the Professor gives an account of some experiments of his own, with a view to ascertain whether the vegetable alkalies, if electrised in contact with mercury, would impart any principle to the latter metal. In experiments with morphia and cinchonia, in which the mercury in contact with the vegetable base was rendered negative, not the least change in the fluidity of the metal could be perceived. When, however, a similar experiment was made with quina, the metal became filmy, and acquired even a tendency to a butyraceous appearance, but the phenomenon was found to depend upon the presence of a minute portion of lime.