On the value of absolute alcohol in spirits of different specific gravities

Having been recently engaged in a series of experiments on the fermentation of sugar and molasses, which rendered it necessary to refer to a table of the value in absolute alcohol of spirits of different specific gravities, the author found himself compelled to construct for this purpose a new table, which he lays before the Royal Society in the present paper. The table was formed by weighing out absolute alcohol and distilled water in fixed proportions, mixing them, and after allowing time for condensation, determining with suitable precautions the specific gravity of each mixture at the temperature of 60° Fahrenheit. Each alternate number in the table was so obtained; the rest being interpolated. The alcohol employed was prepared by digesting the strongest rectified spirit, first with dry carbonate of potash and afterwards with powdered quicklime and distilling. It had the specific gravity ·7938 at 60°, and boiled at 177° Fahr.