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Fusion

Aqueous fusion is the dissolving of crystalline compounds in their own water of crystallization, by the application of one drop of the precipitant fall into the mixture; if any signs of precipitation ensue, more must be added; if the mixture remains unchanged and clear, the operation is complete. The liquid may then be carefully decanted and the precipitated matter, which is called a precipitate, filtered and dried. When the precipitate is the chief object of the process, it is usually necessary to wash it after filtration.

This operation requires but little attention when the precipitate is insoluble in water; but when it is in some degree soluble in that liquid, great attention is required to prevent the loss which might result from the use of too much water. Precipitates soluble in water, but insoluble in alcohol, are frequently, on a small scale, washed with spirit more or less concentrated. (See No. 14.)