Cut a chip of camphor; light it, and set it on a basin of water, when it will continue to burn and float, until it is consumed.
SUBSTITUTE FOR A WAX TAPER.
Steep a loosely twisted cotton skein in a solution of nitre; dry it, and it will readily kindle by the sparks produced from the flint and steel. If, however, the cotton be further prepared by coating portions of it, at regular intervals, alternately with sulphur and white wax, and the sparks be struck upon the sulphur, it will readily kindle, and as readily light the wax; and the flame will endure long enough for sealing a letter.
PHOSPHORESCENT FISH.
Place a very stale fish in a dark room, and it will give out a strong light, because of the numerous animalculæ, whose growth the putrefaction has promoted.
THE LUMINOUS SPECTRE.
Phosphorus in its pure state should be very cautiously handled; as, unless used very moderately, it will burn the skin. By adding to it, however, six parts of olive oil, it may be employed with perfect safety. If every part of the face, except the eyes and mouth, which should be kept shut while applying it, be anointed with this mixture, it will give the party a most frightful appearance in the dark. The eyes and mouth will seem black, and all the other parts of the face will appear lighted with a sickly, pale-bluish flame.
LIGHT, A PAINTER.
Strain a piece of paper or linen upon a wooden frame, and sponge it over with a solution of nitrate of silver in water; place it behind a painting upon glass, or a stained window-pane, and the light, traversing the painting or figures, will produce a copy of it upon the prepared paper or linen; those parts in which the rays were least intercepted being the shadows of the picture.