98 LETTERS OF BERZELIUS 



oxygen is incapable of producing, as the latter only 

 becomes active at temperatures at which the organic 

 substances are destroyed. The acids I have mentioned 

 also produce]this effect ; they all give rise to oxygen 

 compounds at low temperatures. This shows that 

 hydrogen peroxide is not present in nitric acid. The 

 theory explains the formation of ozone by lightning, 

 by frictional electricity, and by hydro-electricity. 

 Its production by means of phosphorus then appears 

 of a purely catalytic nature, which is quite conceiv- 

 able: whereas it is not conceivable that so readily 

 oxidizable a body as phosphorus, which itself absorbs 

 oxygen, should yield so unstable an oxidation product 

 of hydrogen as]hydrogen peroxide. I trust you will 

 excuse my preaching, and not refuse to learn. Soon 

 you will find how the shadows are dispersed by the 

 light of ^correct ideas. 



Address your letter of acknowledgment to the 

 Foreign Secretary, His Excellency Baron A. Ihre. 

 It is quite proper to enclose in it a message in an 

 envelope,- which, however, should not be sealed, 

 addressed to His Majesty the King, and to inquire of 

 the Minister whether he considers the letter suitable 

 to be delivered to His Majesty. This letter, however, 

 is not essential ; you need only request the Minister 

 to convey to His Majesty your respectful thanks ; 

 but perhaps it might not be unwelcome to His 

 Majesty^to receive a short letter from you. 

 Farewell. 



Yours sincerely, 



JAC. BERZELIUS. 



