390 THEORY OF GALVANIC, 



nished, and a portion of its latent caloric libe- 

 rated, in the form of radiant matter, by which 

 the process of oxidation is kept up. I have 

 also proved, that when metals are exposed to the 

 action of strong acids, there is a transition of 

 caloric from the acids to the metals, by which 

 the latter are dissolved and chemically combined 

 with the menstruum ; that caloric is the cause of 

 all attraction between fluids and solids ; that 

 the solvent power of water, acids, &c. is greatly 

 augmented by heat ; and that when metals are 

 dissolved in the strong acids, caloric is given out 

 in great abundance, as in ordinary combustion. 

 So nearly does the operation of a voltaic battery 

 resemble combustion, that more or less heat is 

 always disengaged by its action. When the acid 

 solution is strong, and chemical action energetic, 

 the whole apparatus becomes warm ; viz. a por- 

 tion of the latent caloric of the acid is conducted 

 from the plates to the connecting wire in the 

 form of electricity ; while another portion is libe- 

 rated in the diffused form of sensible heat, as 

 when water and acids are poured upon burnt lime. 

 That the caloric of liquids is the cause of their 

 chemical action on the plates of the battery, is 

 proved by the fact, that when the apparatus is 

 supplied with hot solutions of the strong acids, 

 its energy is greatly augmented, and the metallic 

 plates rapidly dissolved ; in other words, the 

 battery is very soon burnt out. 



