New Greek Fire—Coupled Cannons. 389 
- of 0°85,—has eminently the property of burning on water. He 
then remarked that on throwing on water some benzine contain- 
ing a fragment of potassium or of phosphuret of calcium, either 
of these substances set fire promptly to the benzine, by becoming 
inflamed through contact with the water. 
n two experiments made each time with 300 grammes of ben- 
zine and half a gramme of potassium contained in glass vessels, 
the breaking of these vessels as they floated on the water, caused 
the benzine to spread over a large surface ; the potassium taking 
fire produced an immense flame, which was very hot, and con- 
tinued for about one minute, notwithstanding a strong wind in 
one case and a smart shower of rain in the second. 
The first experiment was made on the 30th of April, on the 
Seine, and the second on May 2nd, in the basin of the Jardin du 
Palais Royal. 
By request of the Minister of War, M. Niepce undertook to 
examine into the liquids susceptible of burning when used in the 
interior of hollow projectiles. In concert with M. Fontaine, a 
which continued to burn until the whole was consumed.  £'¢ 
heating the hollow projectile, either a moment’s Immersion in 
* 
