CHAPTER XXI.
PHOSPHURETTED HYDROGEN GAS.
Q. From what does the very offensive effluvia of church-yards arise?
A. From a gas called phosphuretted hydrogen; which is phosphorus combined with hydrogen gas.
Q. What is phosphorus?
A. A pale amber-coloured substance, resembling wax in appearance. The word is derived from two Greek words, which mean “to produce or carry light.” (φῶς-φέρεινφῶς).
Q. How is phosphorus obtained?
A. By heating bones to a white heat; by which means the animal matter and charcoal are consumed, and what is left is called “phosphate of lime.”
Q. How is phosphate of lime converted into phosphorus?
A. It is reduced to powder, and mixed with sulphuric acid; which (being heated and filtered) is converted into phosphorus.
Q. Of what are lucifer matches made?