Should the operator wish a pure solution of silver, which, however, is not always used, he may obtain it in the following manner: To separate the two metals contained in the above solution from each other, put some bright copper coins into the solution and set it aside in a warm place for three or four days, occasionally giving it a circular motion.

The separated laminae are pure silver, which is to be digested with ammonia until it ceases to be colored blue.

The silver, after being washed and dried, is again dissolved in nitric acid, and the liquid, diluted with water, is kept as solution, of silver.
Either of the above solutions (the one of oxide of silver and copper, and the pure silver solution) may be prepared for use by putting them in a bottle, with a quantity of water, and adding common fine salt, you obtain a white curdy precipitate of chloride of silver.

No matter how much salt is used, provided enough be added to throw down all the chloride of silver.

This solution should be well agitated and then allowed to stand for a few minutes; thus the white precipitate is in the bottom of the bottle.