MRS. B.
But it will not continue boiling long; for the mixture gives out heat only while the particles of the water and the acid are mutually penetrating each other: as soon as the new arrangement of those particles is effected, the mixture will gradually cool, and the water return to its former temperature.
You have seen the manner in which sulphuric acid decomposes all combustible substances, whether animal, vegetable, or mineral, and burns them by means of its oxygen?
CAROLINE.
I have very unintentionally repeated the experiment on my gown, by letting a drop of the acid fall upon it, and it has made a stain, which, I suppose, will never wash out.
MRS. B.
No, certainly; for before you can put it into water, the spot will become a hole, as the acid has literally burnt the muslin.
CAROLINE.
So it has, indeed! Well, I will fasten the stopper, and put the bottle away, for it is a dangerous substance.—Oh, now I have done worse still, for I have spilt some on my hand!
MRS. B.