136 On the Decomposition of White Lead Paint* 



carbon of the oil combining with the oxygene of watef , 

 and the hydrogene of the oil, being set free, escaping in 

 the form of gas ? If so, the art of rendering the paint 

 durable will consist in fixing the oil, or preventing this 

 decomposition. This is undoubtedly a great desidera- 

 tum in the arts. In the course of my scanty reading on 

 subjects of this kind, I have found nothing satisfactory. 

 The experiments of M. de Morveau, as related in a pa- 

 per communicated to the Academy of Dijon, of which 

 an extract is found in the Encyclopedia, were evidently 

 made before the date of the new Chemistry. It is be- 

 lieved that the causes of the changes which paints un- 

 dergo, and which he ascribes to phlogistic vapors, are 

 now better understood than when he wrote ; and it is 

 desirable that the attention of the chemist, as well as the 

 artist, may be invited to the subject. 



If the funds of the Academy would permit, it might 

 be well to offer a premium for the discovery of a sub- 

 stance which should fix the oil in white paints, without 

 changing their color. 



I am, Sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, 



N. WEBSTER, JUN. 



New -Haven, Oct. 30, 1804. 



