Experiment III.
The very black Powder (by [Experim. 2.]) if it is forced out of a Glass Retort by a strong Fire, returns to pure Quicksilver.
The Operation.
The 2 Drachms and 26 Grains of the black Powder (by [Operat. 2.]) I heated by a strong Fire, and forced out of a pure Glass Retort, insomuch, that at last the Retort was red hot for 2 Hours.
The Effect.
There were in the Receiver 2 Drachms and 2 Grains of the purest Quicksilver, insipid and shining. There stuck to the Sides of the Glass, which being join’d to the Retort, is luted to a Receiver full of Water, a little Quicksilver here and there, which I could not entirely gather together. In the Bottom of the Retort was a fix’d Spot, small, very thin and fine, and but just visible.