MRS. B.
It is found by experience, that an elevation of temperature is required for the commencement of the union of the oxygen and the wood.
This elevation of temperature was formerly thought to be necessary, in order to diminish the cohesive attraction of the wood, and enable the oxygen to penetrate and combine with it more readily. But since the introduction of the new theory of chemical combination, another cause has been assigned, and it is now supposed that the high temperature, by exalting the electrical energies of bodies, and consequently their force of attraction, facilitates their combination.
EMILY.
If it is true, that caloric is composed of the two electricities, an elevation of temperature must necessarily augment the electric energies of bodies.
MRS. B.
I doubt whether that would be a necessary consequence; for, admitting this composition of caloric, it is only by its being decomposed that electricity can be produced. Sir H. Davy, however, in his numerous experiments, has found it to be an almost invariable rule that the electrical energies of bodies are increased by elevation of temperature.
What means then shall we employ to raise the temperature of the wood, so as to enable it to attract oxygen from the atmosphere?
CAROLINE.
Holding it near the fire, I should think, would answer the purpose.