OF ARTS AND SCIENCES. 317 



train of the vapor might have extended from the can to the 

 stove, and have been inflamed by the fire, into which the 

 vapor might possibly have been drawn. Dr. Jackson stated 

 that he knew of several instances of the inflammation of 

 ether, by flame distant from six to eight feet from the vessel 

 containing the fluid, a train of explosive vapor, heavier than 

 air, having formed a stratum from one end of the table to the 

 other, and a flash having been seen to run from the lamp to 

 the bottle of ether which was set on fire. This accident had 

 happened in the laboratories of Dr. Hare of Philadelphia, of 

 Mr. Hallowell of Alexandria, and in his own. Dr. Jackson 

 did not think, however, that we knew the facts relating to 

 the explosion of burning-fluid described by Dr. Peirson and 

 Professor Horsford with sufficient accuracy to decide as to 

 the true cause of the explosion in question." 



Chief Justice Shaw made the following remarks on the 

 subject : — 



" I am very glad, Mr. President, to find that scientific and practical 

 men are turning their attention to a subject which, in some of its as- 

 pects, seems to me a very important one. I was not aware that any 

 such subject would be before the Academy this evening ; but as it has 

 been brought to your notice, if not too late, I should be glad to ask the 

 attention of gentlemen to some of the views in which, it appears to 

 me, it ought to be regarded. 



" I do not profess to know any thing of the material character or 

 chemical properties of this substance, nor can I pretend to say any 

 thing respecting its mode of action, in forming gas, producing light, or 

 causing explosion. But I feel that I am in the presence of those who 

 are capable of applying all the science and skill necessary to a full 

 understanding of this part of the subject, and it is to show the impor- 

 tance and value of these thorough and persevering investigations, that 

 I am desirous of submitting these remarks. 



" We often see an account published, headed, in attractive capitals, 

 ' Another Accident from Burning-Fluid,' and often stating a case of 

 gross carelessness, or perhaps of pure accident, concluding with an 

 exclamation of surprise that people will wilfully continue to use so 

 dangerous an article. 



