Note 8 — LECTURE II. GRAVITATION—COHESION.
Reading edition
Page 57. Red Precipitate of Biniodide of Mercury.—A little care is necessary to obtain this precipitate. The solution of potassium should be added to the solution of perchloride of mercury (corrosive sublimate) very gradually. The red precipitate which first falls is redissolved when the liquid is stirred: when a little more of the iodide of potassium is added, a pale, red precipitate is formed, which, on the further addition of the iodide, changes into the brilliant scarlet biniodide of mercury. If too much iodide of potassium is added, the scarlet precipitate disappears, and a colourless solution is left.