176 On Electrical and Chemical Terms. 
I see that Mr. Singer, in “the Elements of Electricity and 
Electro-chemistry,’’ does not consider the propulsion of a pith 
ball by the electric discharge as any proof of the direction ot the 
current; and I agree with Sir H. Davy respecting the inclina- 
tion of flame, generally adduced as an evidence on the same 
side. Much therefore as I revere the opinions of Canton; Franklin, 
&c. I pay no respect to great names if inconsistent with them- 
selves, and at variance with iruth;—and as for the terms 
“* oxygen and hydrogen electricity,” they unfortunately do not 
apply. Surely the more dispassionately our reasoning is con- 
ducted, the more truly philosophical it is. . I think Mr. Singer 
has much merit as an able practical! electrician ; and under this 
impression, I presume with due deference to remark, that though 
his application of the term expansion may be conceived to apply 
to the phenomenon where the indents are directly opposed to 
each other, it can scarce be admitted to weigh as an argument 
in my experiment, where two or more wires were used with one 
above, &c. Jam at a loss to comprehend what is meant by 
“ out of the circle” in the paper alluded to. Perfect insulation, 
like absolute contact, is not to be conceived. I think that Mr. 
Singer's plan of insulation is exceedingly ingenious, and founded 
upon just principles; because, by limiting the ambient conducting 
medium, he also confines the conducting power. The following 
curious experiment, which I made, presents phenomena not easily 
reconcileable with the Franklinian hypothesis. Having coated 
the ball connected with the internal coating of the charged 
electric, and one of the balls of the imsulated ‘discharging rod, 
with China ink, both being uniformly obscured, a vertical card 
was placed between. The discharge was then made. The paper 
as usual perforated a circular portion of the Chinu ink displaced 
from loth balls, and an indent appeared in the centre of each, 
I confess J am astonished at Mr. Walker’s mode of reasoning, 
in his “ New Outlines of Chemical Philosophy.” Chemistry, 
he seems to say, now, is what astronomy was in the days of 
Kepler. This appears to me, asif he had said, the facts are suffi- 
cient, but as yet system exists not. Now, | happen to think that 
discovery has not yet unfolded a sufficient number of data. Let 
experiment be diligently cultivated, or the gate leading to im- 
provement will be for ever shut. None can more sincerely la- 
ment the imperfection of our chemical nomenclaiure than | do, 
I should however he sorry that it should be framed anew, by the 
insulated effort of one, and not by the united labours of many 
competent to a task so arduous. 
In No. 189, page 22, Mr. Walker, after condemning terms :n 
general use, and want of precision, adopts two new words spe 
tione 
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