Dee eee Ree eee 
Dr. Cuthush on the Greek Fire. 313 
tered into its composition; 6th. That as it regards sulphar, 
that substance might have been employed, as oils will read- 
ily unite with it, a fact well known in the proportion of - 
balsam of sulphur of the old pharmacopeias; and 7 
lastly, that when gun powder became known, it iaiperecded 
the Greek fire, the true preparation of which was lost. It 
is evident, nevertheless, that as we possess a more perfect 
knowledge of the properties and effects of bodies than the 
ancients, a composition might be made, or the present in- 
cendiary fire works improved, so that water itself would 
not extinguish flame, but on the contrary facilitate combus- 
tion. For this purpose I submit the following hasty interog- 
atories:  . 
What would be the effect of nitrate of potash, camphor, 
and naptha, if mixed and sagen: and then brought into 
contact with water ? _ 
What would be the effect if a given quantity of gun pow- 
der were added, the naptha eing previously thickened 
by the addition of turpentine, or in its place with tar, or 
some rosin dissolved in the naptha ? 
If in lieu of nitre, chlorate or hyperoxymuriate of potash 
be used, would not the effect be more powerful, and deto- 
nation probably follow ? 
ose the ingredients of which gun powder is compo- 
sda, viz. nitrate of potash, charcoal, and sulphur be added 
separately, in due proportions, to a compound of naptha 
and camphor, with or without the addition of spirits of tur- 
pentine ; would not such a mixture resist very powerfully 
the action of water 
If to the above be added quicklime in powder, would not 
the quicklime when brought in contact with water increase 
the combustion by becoming s/acked, and consequently 
evolve caloric, provided that no combination was previous- 
ly formed with the oil and lime, forming a soap of lime? 
What would be the effect, if with the substances before 
mentioned (the composition being sufficiently thick,) the 
filings of iron, or in preference zinc were added, especially 
if the matter in the state of combustion be brought i In con- 
tact with water ? 
Vor. VI.—No. 2. 40 
