in Fhtids. 



307 



From the results of all these experiments we may cer- 

 tainly venture to conclude that boiling-hot water is not 

 capable of melting more ice, when standing on its surface^ 

 than an equal quantity of water at the temperature of 

 41°, or when it is only nine degrees above the temperature 

 of freezing ! 



This fact will, I flatter myself, be considered as afford- 

 ing the most unquestionable proof that could well be 

 imagined, that water is a perfect non-conductor of Heat, and 

 that Heat is propagated in it only in consequence of the 

 motions which the Heat occasions in the insulated and 

 solitary particles of that fluid.* 



* The insight which this discovery gives us in regard to the nature of the mechan- 

 ical process which takes place in chemical solutions is too evident to require illustra- 

 tion ; and it appears to me that it will enable us to account in a satisfactory manner 

 for all the various phaeiiomena of chemical affinities and vegetation. Perhaps all the 

 motions among inanimate bodies on the surface of the globe may be traced to the 

 same cause, — namely, to the non-conducting power of Fluids with regard to Heat. 



