350 New Outlines of Chemical Philosopfiy. 



It is unnecessary to enter more fully into the discussion of a 

 position so discordant with phaenomena and so limited in its ap- 

 plication. 



Such is a statement and short examination of the system laid 

 down by Franklin to explain the phaenomena of electricity: a 

 system which from its novelty, ingenuity, and from the modesty 

 of its illustrious inventor, was received with admiration by most 

 philosophers of that day. The charms ofnoveltvare now no 

 more, the catalogue of facts is increased, neither prepossessioa 

 nor prejudice are likely at this distance of time to influence 

 judgement : the imperfections of the hypothesis may therefore 

 be fairly appreciated. And yet this hypothesis is always referred 

 to as the basis of the doctrines of Galvanism. In the present 

 dignified and improved state of natural science every thing 

 should be rejected without reserve, without respect to authority, 

 tliat deviates from the standard of reason and experiment. 

 [To be continued.] 



LVI. New OutVmes of Chemical Philosophy. By Ez. Walker, 

 Esq. of Lynn, Norfolk. 



[Continued from p. 2F4.] 



Ofi Evaporation, Hail, Rain, Snow, and Dew. 



J.T has been ascertained by observation that the mean annual 

 quantity of rain is greatest at the equator, and decreases gra- 

 dually as we approach the poles. Thus at 



Granada*, Antilles, 12^* N. lat. it is 126 inches. 



Cape Francois *, St. Domingo . . . . 19MG' 120 inches, 



Calcutta! 22 23 81 



Romet 41 54 39 



England § 33 00 32 



Petersburg || 59 16 16 



Hence it appears that the quantity of rain is influenced by 

 the heat of the climate. But as the sun's rays have no Iieat in 

 themselves, what is the reason that they generate heat upon the 

 surface of our earth. 



To solve this important question it is necessary to premise, 

 that no combustion nor increase of teni])erature can be produced, 

 unless thermogen and photogen be united to ponderable matter. 



* Cotte, Jour, de P/nys. Oct. 1791, p. 204. 

 t Asiatic Researclies, 1 and 2 Appendix. 

 t Cotte, J(jur. de I'hys. Oct. 1791, p. 264. 

 § Phil. Trans. [j Edin. Traus. ii. p. tU. 



NoM» 



