PHOSPHORUS 



73 



off white fumes almost immediately and if left thus 

 exposed for a minute or two, will ignite. Because 

 it ignites at such a low temperature, phosphorus must 



H 



M 



Fig-. 31. Phosphorus furnace. A mixture of calcium phosphate, 

 sand, and carbon is admitted at H through T. T is then closed and 

 T' opened. The mixture is slowly admitted over the screw S and 

 drops between electrodes A and C. The slag which forms flows out 

 at M. Phosphorus vapor and carbon dioxide pass, out through R. 

 The phosphorus condenses in the water W, and the carbon dioxide 

 bubbles up and passes off through the water. 



always be kept under water. It must always be cut 

 under water, for the friction of the knife caused in the 

 cutting will raise its temperature to the point of burn- 

 ing. Great care must be exercised in dealing with 

 phosphorus and forceps should be used to handle it. 

 If touched by the hands the heat of the body may 

 ignite it and cause a burn. A phosphorus burn is very 

 serious, the wound requiring months to heal. Phos- 

 phorus is very poisonous, and great care must be taken 



