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To Obtain Metallic Antimony

ed with zinc, becomes brass, and possesses a Mix together 16 parts sulphuret of antimony different density, hardness, and color to either and 6 parts cream of tartar, both in powder; of its constituents. No general rules for the put the mixture, in small quantities at a time, manufacture of alloys applicable to each can into a vessel heated to redness; when reaction be given; but it may be remarked that, in ceases, fuse the mass, and, after 15 minutes, uniting metals differing greatly in their meltpour it out and separate the metal from the ing points, the least fusible should be melted slag. The product is nearly pure.

Or: Equal parts of protoxide of antimony and bitartrate of potassa (cream of tartar); mix and fuse as above, and pour the metal into small conical moulds.

Or: 8 parts sulphuret of antimony, 6 parts cream of tartar, and 3 parts nitre. Treated as above.

Or: 2 parts sulphuret of antimony and 1 part iron filings; calcine at a strong heat in covered crucible. a 3343. To Obtain Commercial Antimony. Fuse together 100 parts sulphuret of antimony, 40 parts metallic iron, and 10 parts dry crude sulphate of soda. This produces from 60 to 65 parts of antimony, besides the scoriæ or ash, which is also valuable. first, and the others added, one at a time, in their order of fusibility, the most fusible metal being the last to be added; also that, before the addition of each succeeding metal, the temperature of the already fused mass should be reduced to the lowest point at which it will remain fluid, or as near as possible to the fusing point of the metal to be next introduced, so that it may not evaporate or be oxidized, and thus cause the compound to be imperfect. This is a general rule, to be applied in most cases; but there are exceptions. For instance: gold will easily dissolve in melted tin; and platinum in many metals.

If platinum were first melted, and zinc, for instance, added, the temperature necessary to obtain the fusion of platinum would be sufficient to volatilize the zinc. The mixture is usually effected under a flux, or some material that will prevent evaporation and exposure to the atmosphere. Thus: in melting lead and Bismuth. in This metal is principal- tin together, in forming solder, resin or tallow ly prepared Germany, and, is upon surface; in tinning copported, generally contains both arsenic and per, the surface is rubbed with sal-ammoniac; copper. It is a crystalline metal, very brittle, and in combining some metals, powdered of f a reddish white color; melts at about 5000 charcoal is used for the same purpose. (See Fahr., volatilizes at a strong heat, and the No. 3470.) As we have already said, most of fumes form crystalline scales (flowers of bis- the alloys are prepared by simply fusing the muth). It burns when strongly heated in metals together; but if there be a considerable the air, and has a specific gravity of about difference in their specific gravities, the heav- 9.8. The addition of bismuth to other metals lowers their melting point in an extraordinary manner, making it a useful ingredient in the composition of type-metal and solders. measure prevented by agitating the alloy till (See No. 3499, etc.)