13§ On the Contraction which takes place in Mercury 



at large in the table containing a general comparison pf thQ 

 several experiments. 



D. By the following experiments I then proceeded tQ 

 ascertain the specific gravity of mercury and silver at various 

 temperatures, from 1 00'^ above zero to more than 40° below 

 it, with a wish to obtain a ratio of contraction between mer- 

 cury and silver, and between eacVi of the§e and alcohol. 

 For this purpose two hydrostatic balances were so placed 

 that the metals suspended from thern might fall into a glass 

 vessel containing alcohol. 



I then attached 1000 grains of silver to one balance, by 

 a wire 12 inches long, weighing only iV ^^ ^ grain; 

 and to the other 1000 grains of. mercury, in a small glas^i 

 bucket weio;hing lOl-jSg. grains, suspended by a wire nearly 

 4 inches long, weighing y^- grain. 



Then also suspending in the alcohol a good thermometer, 



marke4 



