Papers relating to the Fusion of Carbon. 1098 
In the experiment detailed in Vol. V. p 363, of the same 
Journal, the carbonic acid found, probably had a similar 
origin, aud the disappearance of the globules may have been 
owing to their incorporating themselves with the piece of 
brick upon which they were placed, as the brick was vitrified 
at the point where they were placed. 
Professor Sijiimin seems disposed to lay great stress on 
the loss in my examination, of the globule, sent by Dr. Mac- 
neven. I thought I nad well accountedefor it, as the particle 
was smail, action violent, and IT merely wished to show 
chemicaily, the presence of iron. | could not, for one 
moment entertain the idea that carbon existed in it, in apy 
notable proportion; for 1 know of no combination of iron and 
carbon at common temperature, which could give a product 
possessed of the malieability and toughness which the globule 
possessed. . 
I was sorry to observe that Professor Silliman in his reply 
to my paper, seems offended that I did not notice his com- 
munications upon the subject of these globules. particularly 
as the discovery was his. and was justly entitled to such con- 
sideration. My silence certain!y appeared uncourtly, sat it 
was not owmg to ignorance of his labours, or a want of 
regard to him personally, or as a chemist; Professor Silli- 
man’s merit is too well known to be affecied by me.* 
Ant. XIV.—Papers relating to the fusion of Carbon. 
I]. Remarks by the Editor. 
Ja the spring of 1823 Professor Sillima:, published, in this 
Journal, an account of some experiments on the fusion of 
charcoal and of other forms of carbon; which statements were 
*It was not Mr. Vanuxem’s omission to mention the claim to the dis- 
covery of “these globules,” but his omission to mention any name in 
connexion with the subject of fused carbon, that was regarded as un- 
courteous, especially when, not possessing the means of obtaining fused 
- carbon, he omitted to apply for it to the person most interested, who 
could and would have furnished what he believed to be such. We 
should then have avoided the awkward result of having something which 
charcoal does not contain in any considerable quantity, presented as 2 
proof that charcoal was not melted.—Enrvon, Sept. 28, 1825. 
