Instructions for the multiplication of works of art in metal, by voltaic electricity. With an introductory chapter on electro-chemical decompositions by feeble currents / By Thomas Spencer.

  • Spencer, Thomas.
Date:
1840
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Instructions for the multiplication of works of art in metal, by voltaic electricity. With an introductory chapter on electro-chemical decompositions by feeble currents / By Thomas Spencer. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    18/78 (page 6)
    portionals of the two gases of which this substance is formed, and place them in a vessel together, we shall not be able thus to form am¬ monia. But, on the contrary, if we generate these gases simultaneously, and in juxtaposition, they will then combine in their atomic proportions, and ammonia will be the result. In some instances, one gas in the nascent state will be sufficient. The obvious inference to be drawn from this fact, is that atoms of bodies at their birth, or chemical liberation, may be saturated with de¬ finite proportionals of electricity, and if, while in that state, they come into close contact* with other bodies equally saturated with their definite proportionals, and bearing the relation of positive and negative to each other, a chemical combination will take place, and a new compound be the result. The gases produced by the electric decomposition of water, do not form an exception to this rule; there being a peculiar odour atten¬ dant on their simultaneous production, which bears strong evidence of the formation of another substance. If we mix those gases, however, in similar proportions, but generated under different circumstances, we fail to perceive this peculiar olfactory sensation. I have kept the gases produced by the electrolysation of water, in well stoppered jars, for a period of eighteen months, when they still retained this property.! From these facts it would appear, that if atoms of nascent bodies are suffered to remain uncombined for a sensible period, they become less saturated with electricity than they are at the period of their libera¬ tion, and that their powers of chemical combination are thereby diminished. The manner in which electricity is given off the respective atoms of nascent bodies, may account for the phenomena of induction, and the fact itself bears a close relation to that state of matter termed polarity4 I have ventured these remarks here, although somewhat hypothetical, as the subsequent experimental illustrations are wholly dependent on the mutual action and re-action of electrical forces. We have seen that iron does precipitate copper in the 7netallic state, and that the phenomena is electrical. I shall now adduce a further and * It is demonstrable that there is no absolute contact; and, according to the ingenious experiments of Dobereiner with spongy platinum, the closer atoms of bodies are brought together, the more readily combination will take place. Thus, oxygen and hydrogen were made to combine to form water, by being brought together in that highly comminuted substance. It has also been employed by Dr. Hare, of Philadelphia, to form ammonia. Thus, atoms of nascent bodies, bearing the electrical relations of positive and negative to each other, are brought into more immediate contact while in that state, and thus in¬ duce combination. + I perceive from the “Transactions of the Royal Society,” that Professor Schoenbein, of Bale, is making researches on this subject, and that he has met with some conclusive results. J The atoms of recently decomposed bodies may be readily supposed to carry off free elec¬ tricity with them. We daily perceive an analogous instance of this, in vapour carrying offbeat; itself, in all probability, but another modification of electricity.