The Protean Light.—Soak a cotton wick in a strong solution of salt and water, dry it, place it in a spirit lamp, and, when lighted, it will give a bright yellow light for a long time. If you look through a piece of blue glass at the flame, it will lose all its yellow light, and you will only perceive feeble violet rays. If before the blue glass, you place a yellow glass, the lamp will be absolutely invisible, though a candle may be distinctly seen through the same glasses.
Light from a Flower.—Hold a lighted candle to the flower of the fraxinella, and it will dart forth little flashes of light. This beautiful appearance is caused by the essential and inflammable oil contained in small vessels at the extremities of the flower, which vessels burn at the approach of any inflamed body, setting at liberty the essential oil, as that contained in orange-peel is discharged by pressure.
Brilliant Light from Steel.—Pour into a watch glass a little sulphuret of carbon, and light it; hold in the flame a brush of steel wire, and it will burn beautifully. A watch-spring may also be burnt in it.
Light from Flannel.—Shake flannel in the dark, and it will emit a light similar to that produced from rubbing the back of a cat.