112 



COLOR OF LIGHT FROM METALS. 





hydrogen, is evident : by analogy we might venture to predicate 

 the analysis of the metals, from the colors they display in this 

 experiment ; thus (speculatively supposed) would stand the pro- 

 portional constituents : 



Zinc . 



Lead 

 Bismuth 



j Bright blue and dis-} 

 I tinct red ., J 



Violet .... 2 



Bluish purple , . 1 



We may consider it probable, that in the conformation of 

 the metals the polarity may be such that those poles appro- 

 priate to the organization of radiance may be always in the 

 centre of the compound atom, and so protected in their com- 

 bination that their re-solution, first to the fluid and then to the 

 gaseous state, is extremely difficult. Thus we may suppose 

 a molecule of oxygen united by its radiant proper pole (the 

 positive) to the two or three negative radiant proper poles of 

 nitrogen. That next a molecule of nitrogen is united by its 

 radiant proper pole, the negative, to the two or three radiant 

 proper positive poles of oxygen ; that a similar arrangement 

 occurs with hydrogen ; and that the metals, NOT NOBLE, may 

 have arrangements in polarity, where, by the union between 

 nitrogen and hydrogen, one of their radiant poles proper must 

 of necessity (being both negative) be always exposed on the 

 .surface of the compound atom, by which easier reduction or 

 fusibility, and lower specific gravity, may be occasioned. And 

 that from gradual disparities in polar arrangement of other 

 bodies increasing the exposure of the poles (I denominate for 



