Please, don't tell me that all those self-congratulatory letters that I have
sent out to my own cronies were wrong, I will never live down the shame and
embarrassment.
Firstly, I would like to say that the effort put into the experiment was not
in general enormous, but rather an initial attempt to see what would happen
if the method was followed. Further, possibly enormous, efforts will follow
in due course.
Secondly, I am dubious of your explanation, but it is a good lesson for the
amateur alchemist. I therefore consulted with a further associate, Mr Kevin
Masman, a geochemist, who has studied alchemy for twenty years. He has also
worked as a laboratory supplies sales representative. He states that
calcium, for example, is a rare contaminant of analytical reagent grade
acids, as used in the experiment, in the order of a few parts per million.
Compounds such as calcium chloride and calcium nitrate are extremely
soluble, in fact, are termed deliquescent, ie. they absorb moisture from the
air and self-dissolve. Off the top of his head, the only calcium compound
that would not dissolve in aqua regia that he is aware of might be calcium
silicate. Nevertheless, he is of the professional opinion that your
contaminant explanation is highly improbable.
Further work to be done!
James Mann <psi@ozemail.com.au>
Anti-sceptic Society
Melbourne, Australia