SCIENTIFIC PICTURES OF JOSEPH WRIGHT 435 



at this period, and considerable progress had been made in 

 the study of light, the remaining branches of physics were, 

 as compared with their present condition, in a state of infancy. 

 The properties of gases had, since the invention of the air- 

 pump, formed an important subject of research. It was recog- 

 nised that air played an important part in respiration and 

 combustion, but the nature of this action was not understood, 

 and these were the problems of outstanding importance. In 

 order to solve the problem of respiration, a great many experi- 

 ments similar to the one portrayed were made by philosophers 

 of repute and duly reported to the Royal Society. Wright's 

 picture is evidence that they were being repeated for the in- 

 struction of those to whom science was a matter of general 

 interest. In these experiments a small animal or bird was 

 placed in the receiver, which was then exhausted. Clinical 

 observations of the convulsions and time of collapse were then 

 made. Air was readmitted, when, happily, in most cases the 

 patient revived, although there were regrettable occasions when 

 a fatal result ensued. The pigeon in this case was probably 

 none the worse for the trying experience. The girl who is 

 shielding her eyes doubtless fears that the bird is dead, and is 

 being assured by the man who has an arm round her shoulders 

 that it will revive. It will be noted that the figure in the left 

 of the foreground holds a watch in his hand, for timing the 

 convulsions, the collapse, and the revival. 



It is said that several of the figures in this picture are the 

 same as those in " The Orrery." The fighting is effected by a 

 candle placed behind an inverted receiver or bell-jar containing 

 water, the candle itself being hidden. 



The original " Alchymist " was exhibited in 1771, and 

 was taken to Italy by the artist in 1773. It bears the title, 

 " The Alchymist in Search of the Philosopher's Stone ; dis- 

 covers phosphorus, and prays for the successful conclusion 

 of his operation, as was the custom of the ancient chymical 

 astrologers." 



Astrology and alchemy had their origin in very early times, 

 and continued during the Middle Ages. As a rule the same men 

 practised both arts. That Wright's alchemist was also an 

 astrologer is indicated by the globe and horoscope on the right 

 of the picture as well as by the title. The discoveries of 

 Copernicus sounded the death-knell of astrology, though its 

 death was lingering. Wright's period was the transition stage 

 between alchemy and the modern science of chemistry, the 

 twilight before the dawn. 



Alchemy was a strange mixture of blind experimenting, 

 magic, and mysticism. Lacking the guidance of sound theory, 

 it relied on tradition and followed the will-o'-the-wisp of false 



