[73] Several of the facts, we are aware, accord with the properties of bismuth, between which and tellurium there are several strong points of resemblance, but a number of other facts appear irreconcilable with the properties of that metal, and of every other except tellurium.
[74] Excepting, that the covers ought to be so depressed, as that their brims may be lower than the bottoms of the interior vessels over which they are placed respectively. This is necessary to prevent the gas from escaping, ere it have access to the surface of the fluid beneath those bottoms.
[75] The apparatus may also be made of glass bottles, duly proportioned, and cut (truncated) alternately near the shoulder and near the bottom.
[76] In whose Journal it was ordered to be printed, but, to prevent delay, it was published, by the Author, in a separate paper, and forwarded by him to the Editor of this Journal.
[77] Possibly the electric fluid causes decompositions when emitted from an impalpable point (as in the experiments of Wollaston) because its repulsive agency is concentred between integral atoms, in a mode analogous to that here referred to; a filament of water in the one case, and of wire in the other, being the medium of discharge.
[78] The conclusions are drawn from experiments made by the electricity of the Voltaic apparatus.
[79] Especially to Dr. T. P. Jones, and Mr. Rubens Peale, who remember the suggestion.
[80] See [Plate. Fig. 3].
[81] This evidently differs from the common mode of decomposing the fixed alkalies by galvanism: there the effect depends on electrical attractions and repulsions—here on the chemical agency of ignited iron produced extemporaneously in the galvanic circuit: this mode of operating appears to be new. Editor.
[82] The glasses may be had by applying to Edw. A. Pearson, No. 71 Cornhill, Boston.