Experiments with the Oxi-hydrogen Blow-pipe. 4J 



these serpents, and heard of no injury sustained by any one from 

 their bite. 



Tlie insects which we observed at the top of the mountain 

 were as numerous and various as in any place below. Amonu 

 them were species of Phnlcena, Ct'ramhi/x, Coccinella, Bu- 

 pieslis, Cimex, and Tenthrcdo. Tlie most splendid of our native 

 butterflies {Papilio TiirnusP) was flutteriag near us while we 

 remained on the summit. 



VIII. Experiments on various refractory Snlstances hj means 

 ej' the Oxi-lujdro^en Btow-pipe. By J. Murray, Esq. 



To Mr. TillocL 



Sir, — 1 FBEL happy in being able to resume the detail of 

 experiments made with Newman's blow-pij)e, an instrument of 

 no mean importance to the chemist and mineralogist. — Tiie ap- 

 plicalion of an explosive mixture of the gaseous constituents of 

 water, in a condensed form, for the obtainment of an exalted tem- 

 perature, marks an extraordinary period in the annals of science. 

 The chain of brilliant results which has characterized its appli- 

 cation by Dr. Clarke* gives to the machine a most imposing 

 and interesting form. The scientific chemist will apprecitite its 

 value, and duly acknowledge his thanks to Dr. Clarke, who 

 has first pointed out its control over the most refractory con- 

 stituents of the globe, in that masterly maimer of which his re- 

 sults arc evidence. Not satisfied with the exhibition of these 

 beautiful phaenomena, he has succeeded in rendering the instru- 

 ment perj'ecihj secure against explosion. The substitution of 

 a little OIL instead of water, in the cell of the reservoir, is all the 

 requirement. Dr. Clarke has been good enough to communicate 

 this important fact to me; and I am glad that the event of mv 

 experiments since that period, has fully justified the conclusion. 

 Much praise is also due to Mr. Newman of Lisle-sticet, for the 

 ingenuity he has displayed in its structure, and his unwearied 

 efforts to render it safe. I may here state that Geo. Rennie, esq. 

 joined me in the experiments which I shall now describe; and 

 though a second explosion has occurred in the course of our ma- 

 nipulations, it has served but to redouble our exertions, and 

 impart a new iuqmlse, and excite a livelier interest. 



1. Amianthus was fused into a dark bead, exhibiting a bril- 

 liant light during fusion, 



2. Pktuntze, one of the constituents of Indian poicchin, 

 exhibited a most splendid light, and fused. 



, * Detailed in Dr.Tlioiusod's Annuls ot i'lijiosopliy. 



3. A Si- 



