416 On the TJieory qf Mixed Gases., 



the separate existence of vapour, in a manner 

 which bespeaks a laudable disregard of con- 

 sequences. My end then has been answered, 

 by means which were not intended at the time 

 to discover the full .extent of the expansive 

 power of the moist air in the bottle; and it 

 would be impolitic on my part, to engage at 

 present in the practical part of a dispute which 

 lies wholly betwixt Air. Dalton and Mr. 

 Schmidt. The former gentleman has recourse 

 to the experiment in question, with a view to 

 depreciate the credit of the latter, by its as- 

 sistance ; but in all probability the bad effects 

 of the undertaking will ultimately fall upon his 

 own theory. Schmidt does not state the elastic 

 force of vapour of 106" at 10 inches or nearly 

 so ; on the contrary, the force of vapour of 

 106,25*" amounts according to his table to no 

 more than 2,23 inches, French measure.* 

 This exaggerated statement appears then to 

 rcsult from his method of calculating, and 

 cannot be said to place his principles in a very 

 favourable light. In reality, this is as a second 

 endeavour to withdraw the suspected theorem 

 from the station of defendant, in order to pro- 

 mote it to a tribunal, where it is to judge its 

 own case. — My friend, perhaps, will recollect, 



* The French linear inch is to the EngUah, as 1,' to 



