Nature (journal)/Volume 1/Number 9/Chemistry

The remarkable results of Graham's experiments on the occlusion of gases have induced Lenz to examine the relation of galvanically deposited iron to this important function. With the aid of a Sprengel pump and apparatus differing but little from that employed by Graham, he has arrived at the following conclusions. Iron and copper, prepared by the reducing action of a galvanic current, contain gases, hydrogen more especially. The volume of the gas absorbed by iron varies within very wide limits, but may amount to 185 times the bulk of the iron, to the surface of which its presence is principally confined. The gas extricated from such iron, at temperatures under 100°, consists almost solely of hydrogen.