Lesson xxix.] WATER. 19S 



parts of the gases is beautifully evinced, by the ex,- 

 periments of Dr. Pearson, by means of the electric 

 spark. Water may be decomposed also by the in- 

 fluence of the galvanic pile. Fresh leaves also 

 being immersed in water, and exposed to the sun, 

 the Water will be decomposed : the oxygen will 

 rise in bubbles, and the hydrogen will enter into 

 combination in the plant. 



The ingenious Mrs. Fulhame teaches, that 

 Water is essential to the oxygenizement of com- 

 bustible bodies. Thus, in the reduction of me- 

 tals, she supposes theWater suffers decomposition ; 

 the reducing substance attracting the oxygen of 

 the water, whilst its hydrogen, uniting in its na- 

 scent state, with the oxygen of the metal, effects 

 its reduction by a double affinity. Hence, and from 

 a series of well-adapted experiments, she infers, 

 that, first, the hydrogen of Water is the only sub- 

 stance that restores bodies to their combustible 

 state. Secondly, Water is the only source of the 

 oxygen, which oxygenizes combustible bodies. 

 Thirdly, No case of combustion is effected by a 

 single affinity. 



At the temperature, marked 32" F., Water parts 

 with caloric, has its volume increased by a con- 

 fused crystallization, formed by crystallized needle:, 

 crossing each other at 60, or 120, and assumes a 

 solid form, when it is termed ICE. The tempera- 

 ture being increased, it re- assumes the liquid form 

 of Water, in which a considerable quantity of ca- 

 loric becomes fixed, and is prevented from passing 

 into a state of vapour, by the pressure of the at- 

 K Biosphere. 



