* ss 
Hare's idoriseatee: 415 
: & 
It is true, that when common electricity causes the deflagra- 
tion of metals, as by the discharge of a Leyden jar, it must be 
supposed to insinuate itself within them, and cause a reaction 
between their particles. But in this case, agreeably to my 
hypothesis, the electric fluid combines with the latent caloric 
previously existing there, and, adding to its repulsive agency, 
causes it to overpower cohesion.* ; 
Sir Humphry Davy wasso much at a loss to account for the 
continued ignition of wire at the poles of a Voltaic apparatus, 
that he considers it an objection to the materiality of heat; 
since the wire could not be imagined to contain sufficient 
caloric to keep up the emission of this principle for an un- 
limited time. But if we conceive an accumulation of heat to 
accompany that of electricity throughout the series, and to be 
propagated from one end to the other, the explanation of the 
phenomenon in question is attended by no difficulty. 
The effect of the Galvanic fluid on charcoal is very consist- 
ent with my views, since, next to metals, it is one of the best 
conductors of electricity, and the worst of heat, and would 
therefore arrest the last, and allow the other to pass oD. 
Though peculiarly liable to intense ignition, when exposed 
betwen the poles of the Voltaic apparatus, it seems to me it 
does not display this characteristic with common electricity. 
According to Sir Humphry Davy, when in connexion with the 
positive pole, and communicating by a platina wire with the 
negative pole, the latter is less heated than when, with re- 
spect to the poles, the situation of the wire and charcoal is 
The rationale is obvious: charcoal, being a bad 
prevents the greater part of 
when placed between it 
reversed. 
conductor, anda good radiator, 
the heat from reaching the platina, 
and the source whence the heat flows. 
Lhad observed that as the number of p 
had been extended, and their size and the energy of the inter- 
airs in Volta’s pile 
d causes decompositions when emitted from an im- 
* Possibly the electric flui 
i ollaston) because its repulsive agen- 
palpable point (as in the experiments of W 
cy is concentred between integral atoms, 
ferred to; a filament of water in the one case, 
the medium of discharge. 
