The Chemical Chameleon.
Put a drachm of powdered nitrate of cobalt into a vial, containing an ounce of the solution of caustic potash, when the decomposition of the salt, and precipitation of a blue oxide of cobalt will take place. Cork the vial, and the liquid will assume a blue color, from which it will pass to a lilac, afterward to a peach tint, and finally to a light red.