32 



combustions. However, if a match or spark is intro- 

 duced into the receptacle the Hydrogen may either 

 explode or appear to burn. The truth of the process 

 is that the spark served as a means of inducting a 

 quantity of Phosphorus from the atmosphere, under 

 the natural affinity thai exists between the two gases, 

 and that the explosion and fire resulted only from the 

 violent vibrations of the Hydrogen and the resulting 

 aggregation of Phosphorus. If the flame of " burning" 

 Hydrogen possesses the least incandescence, it betrays 

 the presence of Phosphorus, or the effect of the pres- 

 ence of Carbon gas. If the flame is perfectly blue it 

 betrays hidden Phosphorus, which is surrounded by 

 the Hydrogen. If the latter is in excess the flame 

 of burning will he of short duration. If the flame 

 is " hot" to the touch it betrays the presence of disin- 

 tegrating Phosphorus. Absolutely pure Hydrogen 

 possesses only the blue, or subjecting vibration, and 

 is always intensely cold or absorbing. 



38. All explosions result from either of two causes: 

 The obstructing of the natural path required for the 

 affinity or the union of the four gases, after the first 

 vibration tending to this union has been started : or, 

 triple vibrations (forcibly held) that require the fourth 

 element for inertia, and forcibly withdraw the latter 

 from the atmosphere, upon concussion (compressed 

 Phosphorus of the atmosphere) or a supplied spark 

 from match or fuse. Black gunpowder is an example 

 of the former and nitro-glycerine of the latter. 



:!'.). The base of nearly all poisons is the Hydrogen - 

 Phosphorus vibration, either predominating, which 

 cannot secure inertia except through the process of 

 rupturing the tissues or absorbing the remaining gases 

 from the physical relation. Under this fact of lack of 

 inertia, either gas may act as a poison when intro- 

 duced, in compact, into the circulation or respiratory 

 organs. Carbon Monoxide poisons through the exces- 

 sive vibrations of the Carbon which intensify, when 



