Let me consider . . . . . The oxy-muriatic acid parts with its excess of oxygen to the charcoal, by which means it is converted into muriatic acid gas; whilst the charcoal, being burnt by the oxygen, is changed to carbonic acid gas.—What becomes of the potash I cannot tell.
MRS. B.
That is a fixed product which remains in the vessel.
CAROLINE.
But since the potash does not enter into the new combinations, I do not understand of what use it is in this operation. Would not the oxy-muriatic acid and the charcoal produce the same effect without it?
MRS. B.
No; because there would not be that very great concentration of oxygen which the combination with the potash produces, as I have just explained.
I mean to show you this experiment, but I would advise you not to repeat it alone; for if care be not taken to mix only very small quantities at a time, the detonation will be extremely violent, and may be attended with dangerous effects. You see I mix an exceedingly small quantity of the salt with a little powdered charcoal, in this Wedgwood mortar, and rub them together with the pestle—
CAROLINE.
Heavens! How can such a loud explosion be produced by so small a quantity of matter?