184 CHEMISTRY. 



CHAPTER 



PHOSPHORUS. 



249. Properties of Phosphorus. This substance, discov- 

 ered more than two hundred years ago, and obtained now 

 extensively from bones, has very remarkable properties, 

 with which you have already become somewhat acquainted. 

 It is a nearly colorless substance, having a waxy appear- 

 ance. Exposed to the air it smokes, and in the dark emits 

 light, from which it gets its name, derived from two Greek 

 words signifying together to bear light. It is, you remem- 

 ber, inflammable at ordinary temperatures, and therefore in 

 order to preserve it we must keep it in water. From the 

 readiness with which it takes fire, and the violence with 

 which it burns, it is necessary to be careful in handling it. 

 It should be cut under water, and when taken from the 

 water it should be held by a forceps or on the point of a 

 knife, as even the warmth of the hand may set it on fire. 

 We should use small quantities in experimenting, and have 

 a vessel of water at hand to quench it in case it should 

 take fire accidentally \vhen we do not wish it. Phosphorus 

 is a violent poison, and is therefore used in getting rid of 

 rats and mice. The common rat electuary is made of a 

 dram of phosphorus and eight ounces each of hot water and 

 flour. Phosphorus is insoluble in water, but is soluble in 

 ether, alcohol, and oils. 



250. Experiments. Observing the cautions given, you 

 can try many interesting experiments with phosphorus, 

 some of which we will notice. 



