..SI5TTTAV ON THE METALS. Ill 



That such a small proportion of matter as appears to be 

 convertible from the fixed to the radiant state, not only by the 

 customary operations of nature, but those of mankind in the 

 accomplishment of the arts, is an instance of the Divine care 

 which presides over the universe, preserving that perfect and 

 essential equilibrium, so necessary to the existing course of our 

 system. And while an excess of nitrogen exists in our atmo- 

 sphere exceeding the oxygen, by 4 to 1, or in a ratio of 80 to 

 20, instead of being as 3 to 5, or 15 to 25, the needful quan- 

 tity of oxygen is to be found combined with matter in the form 

 of earths and water, and providential protection is doubly in- 

 sured by the hydrogen in like manner being held in combina- 

 tion, to perform the particular functions allotted to it. 



Thus but small portions of the three gases essential to the 

 formation of light are to be found at any time in an appropriate 

 state of freedom and proximity, for sudden transition from the 

 fixed to the radiant state, and consequently perfection reigns 

 around. 



ON THE METALS. 



THE existence of hydrogen as a REDUNDANT constituent in 

 ALL the metals is rendered more than probable by the color 

 of the light they afford, on submission to the action of Back- 

 hoffner's electro-magnetic machine, and modification of Profes- 

 sor Daniel's battery, with Palmer's arrangement of binding 

 screws, &e., thus 



Gold exhibits Whitish green-coloured lisfht. 



Silver , , Bright green. 



Platina , , White. 



Brass , , Green. 



Tin , , Purple (bright). 



Iron , , Purplish-blue with reddish-brown scintillations. 



Zink , , Bright blue with red distinct. 



Lead , , Violet (bluish). 



Bismuth , , Bluish-purple. 



In every one of the above, save platina, the Hue raij or 



