1815.] Remarks on the Phenomena of Galvanism. 435 



discovered compounds are formed by a very different union with 

 caloric from that which takes place in the formation of oxygen and 

 hydrogen gases, as we have not the least evidence that the greatest 

 possible attenuation we could obtain by the application of heat to 

 these gases would impart to them any electrical energies. 



If we take into consideration the subtile and active nature of 

 caloric, and compare it with the most attenuated gaseous bodies yet 

 known, we shall see the probability that other compounds of this 

 nature may be formed by the action of various chemical and mecha- 

 nical forces, that must hold a rank between gaseous bodies and 

 caloric ; and, according to the established rules of analogy, are 

 likely to be endowed with energies strongly resembling the powers 

 of the galvanic fluids. The idea that a class of highly attenuated 

 compound bodies holds a place between well-known gaseous bodies 

 and caloric, deserves perhaps more attention from its reasonableness, 

 than any direct evidence we at present possess; as we cannot fairly 

 suppose that this agent, which in its active state converts the hardest 

 and closest metals into vapour, and can by its influence change a 

 solid mass of ice into two combustible gases, should lose this trans- 

 forming power exactly at the point where it gives these bodies this 

 gaseous character, when there is evidently such a wide difference 

 between the comparatively dense nature of these gases and caloric. 

 If we admit the probable existence of these highly attenuated 

 compounds, no results can be more reasonably expected from their 

 action, than some of the effects we obtain by galvanism ; as com- 

 binations partaking of a small portion of oxygen and hydrogen, 

 intimately combined with a large quantity of caloric, must partake 

 in a great degree of its active and penetrating nature, while their 

 bases are calculated to produce many similar effects to those which 

 are obtained by the energies of the galvanic fluids.' This appears a 

 simple mode of accounting for the production of what are termed 

 the galvanic fluids ; and the principle by which they sccni to obtain 

 their energies appears consistent with the idea that tliey aie gene- 

 rated by the action of the battery.* When a galvanic combination 

 produces a strong chemical action, these fluids are given out ia 

 great abundance, and it is not improbable that they are propelled 

 along the conducting circuit by the high degree of elasticity which 

 every succeeding portion obtains at the point of generation. In 

 some experiments made to show the transfer of acid and alkaline 

 bodies by the galvanic influence, the results obtained seem inti- 

 mately connected with this part of the inquiry, as they evidently 

 point out two opposite galvanic currents, and support the al)ove 

 opinions. 



The experiments were made by using two small gold conical 

 cups; in one was placed a solution of the sulphate of potash, and 



* la tlicsi' rcmarkt wc have suppciicd the |;utYaiiic fluids to be prndu('c<l Ivy • 

 itroDg (liemical notion { liut uhcii oliU'iiiitil williuut lliis violent uction, llicir ch.(> 

 racier uppriraclie!) mitc>i iioarer to (-(iminoii i-lrctrici(y, and will Uc cunbideicd with 

 {rcatcr pruprici) under a more gcnt-ral view of thoubjcct. 



2 £ 2 



