On the Papyri found in the Ruins of Herculaneum. 421 
the formula derived from the first and most simple hypothesis 
relating to the constitution of the atmosphere, and that obtained 
by the last effort of scientific skill; and this is a coincidence 
which it is surely both curious and instructive to mark. ei 
’ Erratum.—In the last Magazine, p. 342, 16th line from the 
top, the factor sin A is wanting in the value of r. 
LXXXV. Some Observations and Experiments on the Papyri 
found in the Ruins of Herculaneum. By Sir Humpury 
Davy, Bart. P.R.S.* 
Ix a paper, intended for private circulation only, on the MSS, 
found in the excavations made at Herculaneum, but which was 
published, by mistake, in the Journal of Science and the Arts, 
I have described, in a general manner, the circumstances which 
led me to make experiments on these remains, and mentioned 
some of my first observations on this subject. Mr. Hamilton, 
to whom this communication was sent, entered into my views 
with all that ardour for promoting the progress of useful know- 
ledge which so peculiarly belongs to his character; and on his 
representation of them, the Earl of Liverpool and Viscount 
Castlereagh, with the greatest liberality, placed at my disposal 
such funds as were requisite for paying the persons whom it was 
necessary to employ in trying new chemical methods of unrolling 
the MSS. and for examining and preserving them when unrolled ; 
and His present Majesty, then Prince Regent, graciously conde- 
scended to patronize the undertaking. 
In this communication, J shall do myself the honour of laying 
before the Royal Society an account of all that I have been able 
to do on this subject; namely, first, a detail of my early expe- 
riments in England on fragments of papyri, which induced me 
to believe that chemistry might afford considerable assistance 
towards unrolling the MSS. Secondly, a description of the 
rolls in the Museum at Naples, and of some analytical experi- 
ments I made upon them. Thirdly, a detail of the various che- 
mical processes carried on in the Museum at Naples on the MSS., 
and of the reasons which induced me to renounce my undertaking 
before it was completed. And lastly, some general observations 
on the MSS. of the ancients. 
I trust these matters will not be found wholly devoid of in- 
terest by the Society, and that they will excuse some repetitions 
of what I have stated in the Report before referred to, as they are 
necessary for a complete elucidation of the subject. 
* From the Transactions of the Royal Society for 1821, Part II. 
Ist. An 
