To six ounces of water in an earthenware dish add by degrees one ounce of sulphuric acid (dangerous), and then three quarters of an ounce of granulated zinc with three or four large grains of phosphorus. These form a gas, amidst much effervescence, take fire and kindle the entire surface, coruscations and spirts of flame leaping out swiftly and most brilliantly; while a beautiful column of smoke will rise above the blue flames.
Note.—Always cut phosphorus under water, and, if burnt by it, apply hartshorn spirits.
LIGHT ON THE WATER.
Drop a little phosphoric ether on a lump of sugar, and throw it into a glass of water. The flame arising will look very pretty in a dark room. On blowing gently on it phosphoric emanations will form and light the air above the water.
SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION.
1st. In a thick saucer make a paste of chlorate of potass with spirits of wine; on adding some sulphuric acid vapour will arise, and its orange-coloured clouds will burst with a snapping noise into flames.
2nd. Variation.
THE PILLAR OF FIRE.
Pound together a grain and a half of chlorate of potash and two grains of sulphur, a pinch of which mixture dropped into a phial holding a little sulphuric acid will give rise to a splendid column of flame.
3rd. Powdered antimony dropped into a phial of chlorine gas will take fire spontaneously and make a splendid light.