IO2 Inquiry concerning the Nature of Heat, 



flame of the candle for a longer time, I found that a 

 drop of water in the spoon gradually changed its form, 

 became less, and was at length evaporated ; from be- 

 ing spherical and lucid, it gradually took an oblong form, 

 and its surface became obscure ; and when it was evap- 

 orated it left a kind of skin behind it, which was evident- 

 ly composed of the particles of black matter which had 

 by degrees attached themselves to its surface, and which 

 probably had contributed not a little to its being at last 

 heated and evaporated. 



The change in the form of the drop of water, and 

 more especially the gradual loss of its lucid appearance, 

 made me suspect that it had turned round during the 

 experiment. If it really did so its motion must either 

 have been extremely rapid or very slow, for, though I 

 examined it with great attention, I could not perceive 

 that it had any rotatory motion. 



I will take the liberty to mention another little exper- 

 iment which I have often made to amuse myself and 

 others, though it may perhaps be thought too trifling to 

 deserve the attention of the Royal Society. 



Experiment No. 35. If a large drop of water be 

 formed at the end of a small splinter of light wood 

 (deal, for instance), and this drop be thrust quickly in- 

 to the centre of the flame of a newly snuffed candle, 

 which burns bright and clear, the drop of water will re- 

 main for a considerable time in the centre of the flame 

 and surrounded by it on every side, without being made 

 to boil, or otherwise apparently affected by the heat ; 

 and if it be taken out of the flame and put upon the 

 hand, it will not be found to be scalding hot. 



If it be held for some time in the flame, it will be 

 gradually diminished by evaporation ; but there is much 



