[60] M. Bonijol of Geneva has lately succeeded in effecting the decomposition of Potash and the Chloride of Silver by ordinary electricity. His process consists in placing these substances in a very narrow glass tube, and in then passing a series of electric sparks from the ordinary machine through them. The electricity was conducted into the tube by means of two metallic wires fixed into the ends. When a quick succession of electric sparks had taken place for about five or ten minutes, the tube containing chloride of silver was found to contain reduced silver; and when potash had been submitted to the electric current, then the Potassium was seen to take fire as it was produced. The same philosopher has likewise contrived to decompose water by atmospheric electricity. The electricity, in this case, is collected from the atmosphere by means of a very fine point fixed at the extremity of an insulated rod; the latter is connected with the apparatus, in which the water is to be decomposed, by a metallic wire, of which the diameter does not exceed 1-50th of an inch. In this way the decomposition of the water proceeds in a continuous and rapid manner, although the atmospheric electricity be not strong. Stormy weather, it is said, is quite sufficient for the purpose.—Bib. Univers. 1830, p. 213. and Royal Institution Journal, No. 2.
[61] It is perhaps a fact not very generally known, that glass, to a certain extent, is decomposable by water: if some of it in a powdered state be triturated with distilled water, in a short time the turmeric test will indicate a portion of alkali in solution.
[63] It will be sufficient for my present purpose to point out those existing between Chlorine, Iodine, and Bromine.
[65] Reflecting upon this and similar facts, it has occurred to me that Voltaic electricity might be applied for removing the blue colour in the skin, occasioned by the internal use of nitrate of silver. I hope to be able very shortly to submit this theory to the test.
[66] During the contentions of the Neptunists and Plutonists, alluded to in a former part of this work, specimens were produced exhibiting the intermixture of mineral bodies, which was completely hostile to all theory. These anomalies now receive a plausible explanation from the agencies of Voltaic electricity.
[67] The History and Present State of Electricity; by Jos. Priestley, LL.D. F.R.S., &c. London, 1795.