Q. Does not a very little water slacken the heat of fire?
A. Yes, till it is converted into steam; but then it increases the intensity of fire, and acts like fuel.
Q. Why does the wick of a candle (when the flame has been blown out) catch fire so readily?
A. As the wick is already very hot, a little extra heat will throw it into flame.
Q. Why does the extra heat revive the flame?
A. Because it again liberates the hydrogen of the tallow, and ignites it.
Q. Cannot wood be made to blaze without actual contact with fire?
A. Yes; if a piece of wood be held near the fire for a little time it will blaze, even though it does not touch the fire.
Q. Why will wood blaze, even if it does not touch the fire?