104 Morey’s explosive Engine. 
ever, that it is precisely the effect to be expected, should the 
earth come in contact with a comet, although ever so slightly. 
Dr. Halley, in an essay on the causes of the flood, written inf 
1694, suggests that a change has been effected in the axis of 
the earth, by the shock of a oot but he evidently mistakes 
the eflect to be produced by such an event. He thinks it 
would have pracoees such a commotion in the waters as would 
have caused them to overflow the highest land, in consequence 
of their tendency - rush from all parts of the globe towards 
the spot which received the shock: He probably calculated 
that this would result from the attractive power of the comet; 
but this power being so exceedingly small, compared to the 
rotary impulse possessed by the waters, it is obvious that the 
effect I have described must be'the result of such an occurs 
rence. 
»At any rate, aa indications I have pointed out, appear to 
me deserving o rticular notice, and my object will be an- 
swered, should chit article attract to them the attention of 
geologis A 
Boston, April, 1826. 
a 
Arr. VILI—An account of a new explosive engine, genes 
rating a power that may be substitute ed for that . the 
to Sere By SamveL Morey, of Orford 
ampshire ; 
TO PROFESSOR SILLIMAN. — 
Dear Sir, 
HAVING accidentally discovered that the vapour of wa 
ter and that of spirit of tu turpentine, when mixed with ‘a very 
great proportion of a ri¢ air, were highly explosive— 
: uce therefr 
t of so 
ments. I should hope they fore at ap in part, find a ae 
in your Journal. 
Alcoho! may be substituted for water, or added to it in’ 
any proportion. The vapour, and atmospheric air alr, if 
Placed in contact, will in time unite, as Hydrogen gas and 
