176 ANNUAL REPORT 



In instances of this cliaracter in our philosophy, mechanics 

 and cheinistiy come to our relief. If we wish to cause a speci- 

 fied change in the relative position of a certain body, we call 

 into use the three factors, power, space and time, in such rela- 

 tive proportions as may be required, and the change in position 

 is made. If in chemistry we wish to miko a compound of spe- 

 cific character, we combine in due succession and quantity the 

 materials necessary to make that compound. If in any of the 

 arts or in any of the industries of life we wish to work out 

 changes or conditions through the aid of heat, we employ the 

 latter in such form and for such a period of time as may be nec- 

 essary to produce the result desired. 



If we wish to make the compound known as steam, we com- 

 bine the two elements, heat and water, in the requisite propor- 

 tions and for the required length oT time, and when the forma- 

 mation of the compound has been once established it will con- 

 tinue as long as the conditions necessary to its formation are 

 maintained. Under ordinary conditions, in an open vessel, and 

 at sea level, steam is formed at a temperature of 212°. Up to 

 this point and time there has been no perceptible change in 

 the outward appearance of the compound, but by the addition 

 of one degree more of temperature, or heat, the "conditions for 

 producing steam are fulfilled, and steam will be formed with a 

 rapidity due to the proportionate and relative quantities of 

 water and heat employed. 



By increasing the intensity and distribution of the volumes 

 or atoms of heat disseminated through the water, the latter is 

 gradually consumed and in a manner fully paralleled by the 

 welding and fusion and final oxidation or burning up of iron or 

 steelundertheinfluenceaadactionof a high and aggressive heat, 

 as is often witnessed in the furnace or forge. 



Theoretically, steam occupies 1,700 volumes of space of the 

 same magnitude as that occupied by the volume of water from 

 which it was produced, and 1,700 volumes of steam, in time, con- 

 tain sufficient heat to raise 5* volumes of water from normal 

 temperature to a temperature of 212°. 



It may be possible, by a v.ery slow and careful process, to pro- 

 duce this change in 'the temperature of a body of water without 

 perceptibly establishing among its atoms the principle of mo- 

 tion. 



This, however, is in reality established almost at the outset ol 

 the process, and it increases in activity and strength so long as 

 the temperature is being increased. 



