124 Remarks on Priestley’s Analysis 
sorption, there is emitted some substance; and that 
this substance is the same which has been called 
phlogiston. 
That a mixture of iron-filings and sulphur with a 
little water (if it be continued in the air after the 
diminution has advanced to its maximum) occasions 
an increase of the quantity, by an addition of in- 
flammable air, is easily accounted for. In this 
instance, as in many others of the same nature,* 
the attraction of the iron to sulphuric acid in- 
creases the attraction of the sulphur to oxygen. 
That of the atmospherical air, which surrounds the 
mixture, is absorbed; and when this is effected, the 
attraction of the sulphur and iron still continuing, 
the water contained in the mixture is decomposed; 
its oxygen combines with the sulphur and iron; and 
its hydrogen is set at liberty. Hence che increase 
of bulk after the diminution has advanced to its 
maximum. When this mixture is confined with 
pure oxygenous gas, the whole of this is absorbed, - 
and no azote presents itself after the operation. But 
if something were emitted, which has the property 
of phlogisticating + pure air, there should be found, 
* To these belong the production of alum from the 
schistus aluminaris, of. sulphate of iron from martial py- 
rites, of nitrate of lime from lime mixed with substances 
containing the basis of nitrous acid, &c, 
+ I ought to make an apology for the confusion of terms 
which occur in this paper; but I was not able to avoid 
making use of the terms of my antagonist, without pro- 
ducing greater confusion, 
