Conversations on Chemistry, V. 1-2 / In Which the Elements of that Science Are Familiarly Explained and Illustrated by Experiments

by Mrs. Marcet

After this extrication of caloric, the water must exist in a state of ice in the lime, since it parts with the heat which kept it liquid.

MRS. B.

It cannot properly be called ice, since ice implies a degree of cold, at least equal to the freezing point. Yet as water, in combining with lime, gives out more heat than in freezing, it must be in a state of still greater solidity in the lime, than it is in the form of ice; and you may have observed that it does not moisten or liquefy the lime in the smallest degree.

EMILY.

But, Mrs. B., the smoke that rises is white; if it was only pure caloric which escaped, we might feel, but could not see it.

MRS. B.

This white vapour is formed by some of the particles of lime, in a state of fine dust, which are carried off by the caloric.

EMILY.

In all changes of state, then, a body either absorbs or disengages latent heat?

MRS. B.