THE EEASOK WHY. 81 



" Drought and heat consume the snow waters ; so doth the grave those which 

 have sinned." JOB xx.iv. 



Because spirituous drinks contain a large proportion of alcohol, 

 one of the constituents of which is hydrogen. The vital energies of 

 the drunkard, being destroyed by excess, chemical agencies obtain 

 an ascendancy, and it is supposed that the hydrogen of the alcohol 

 combines with the phosphorous of the body to form phosphoretted 

 hydrogen, which ignites spontaneously, and literally consumes the 

 living temple. 



Cases of spontaneous combustion are of rare occurrence. But they are 

 sufficiently well authenticated by high medical authority, in many parts of the 

 world, to present an awful warning to the inveterate drunkard. Tlie cases of 

 which we have read the particulars present details of the most appalling 

 description. How signally the Almighty displeasure at intemperance is 

 expressed, when the very drink which imparts the mad pleasure of intoxication 

 ia made the direct instrument by which the drunkard is destroyed 1 



CHAPTER XVI. 



321. Why does friction produce heat? 



Because all bodies contain latent heat, that is, heat that lies hid 

 in their substance, and the rubbings of two bodies against each 

 other draws the latent heat to the excited surfaces. 



322. Why does the rubbing of two surfaces together attract 

 latent heat to those surfaces ? 



Because it is a law of nature that heat shall always attend 

 motion ; and it is generally found that the intensity of heat bears a 

 specific relation to the velocity of motion. 



323. What are the sources of heat ? 



The rays of the sun, the currents of electricity, the action ot 

 chemicals, and the motion of substances. 



324. Why does water freeze ? 



Because its latent heat is partly drawn off* by the surrounding 

 air. 



325. Why does ice melt ? 



Because the heat, onee latent in the water, bat drawn off by the 

 air, has returned to it, and restored the water to its former 

 condition. 



4* 



