22 Mr. Sturgeon un the Liflammatioti of Gunpowder 



powder was ignited on both the positive and negative side of 

 a long conducting wire. 



Mr. Leuthwaite has likewise conducted a number of in- 

 teresting experiments on this subject; but I believe they were 

 intended chiefly to ascertain the conducting poxver of different 

 fluids, in order to make choice of the most eligible for the 

 purpose of igniting gunpowder by the electric fluid. 



Hence, so far it appears that the idea had not been enter- 

 tained, (prior to the institution of my experiments,) tliat the 

 diameter of the tube, and the nature of the charge, would any 

 way affect the result of the experiment. Neither does it ap- 

 pear that the ignition of gunpowder, by means of transmitting 

 the electric fluid through uncoiifined water, was ever attempted 

 prior to those experiments detailed in my former paper on 

 this subject. The most extraordinary method of effecting the 

 ignition of gunpowder by the electric fluid, that I have yet 

 heard of, is that stated by Mr. Howldy in the Philosophical 

 Magazine, vol. Ixviii. p. 173. I have been induced to pay some 

 attention to this method, " cspecialli/ as it saves the experimen- 

 ter time, labour, and power," circumstances highly import- 

 ant and necessaiy to be understood. 



I think, however, it is to be regretted, that Mr. Howldy 

 has not mentioned the hygrometrical state of that part of the 

 table ("four inches") between the extremity of the chain and 

 the outside of the jar : as it is possible, that a variation in that 

 particular may vary the result of the experiment. But as 

 Mr. H. has practised this method for several years, and with 

 uniform success, it is to be expected that such a circumstance 

 could hardly escape the notice of so accurate an experimenter. 

 Considering, however, that four inches is a long striking di- 

 stance through dry aii", and not happening to be successful 

 when attempting to repeat the experiment according to Mr. 

 H.'s directions, I have been induced to suggest to that gen- 

 tleman, the necessity of his repeating the experiment, under 

 the following circumstances. 



First. Let the table on which the jar and chain ai'e placed 

 be perfectly dry, and of hard wood, (say an old mahogany 

 table that has frequently been rubbed with bees-wax, or with 

 any thing else to render it a nonconductor.) Let this jar of 

 160 square inches of (interior) coated surface, be charged to 

 the intensity of 80° per quadrant electrometer ; every other 

 part of the circuit being as he has described it. Discharge 

 the jar through this circuit. 



Secondly. Let the same arrangement again be made, only 

 witli this difference: draw on the table a narrow line of water 



(four 



