Inquiries relative to the Structure of Wood. 48 1 



In making these estimates, I have availed myself of 

 the valuation of the total quantity of carbon contained 

 in seerwood, given in the analysis of Messrs. Gay 

 Lussac and Thenard ; and I have supposed the 43 per 

 cent of charcoal, which I found to be contained in seer- 

 wood, to be pure carbon. 



Should it ultimately appear that charcoal is not pure 

 carbon, which is extremely probable, numerous altera- 

 tions in all these estimates must follow, though the ex- 

 periments made upon the woods will always retain their 

 value. And I cannot but hope that they will be fre- 

 quently repeated, with such variations as may conduce to 

 important discoveries. 



It will be a satisfaction to me to know that I have 

 put into the hands of more skilful workmen than my- 

 self some instruments of which they may advanta- 

 geously avail themselves : and to have pointed out, as 

 well as a little smoothed, a new path, wherein they may 

 walk without danger of being lost. 



SECTION VIII. Of the Quantity of Heat lost in the Car- 

 bonization of Wood. 



In making charcoal, a considerable quantity of heat 

 is dissipated and lost in the air; whence it is evident 

 that the same amount of heat cannot be obtained from 

 burning a given quantity of charcoal as would be fur- 

 nished by the combustion of the wood of which it is 

 formed. 



We can now determine, with great precision, the loss 

 of heat which is inevitable in making charcoal, even 

 when all possible precautions have been taken; as well 

 as that which happens every day in the process employed 

 by the charcoal-maker. 



