366 



New Experiments with Soap Bubbles. 



attained a considerable size it can be supplied with more 

 material by carefully moistening the edges of the funnel with 

 a small brush dipped in the solution. By these means the 

 size of the bubbles can be increased to a wonderful extent 

 (on one occasion a diameter of 1 ft. 7 in. was attained), and an 

 object produced, of whose splendour and beauty no description 

 can give an adequate idea. Its great globular surface has 

 spaces of large extent blazing with one particular tint, to 



which the colour of another part 

 vies in contrast, and the whole pro- 

 duces an effect which is well worth 

 some pains to procure. This ex- 

 periment should be performed in 

 as still an atmosphere as possible, 

 since the larger the surface of the 

 bubble, or rather globe, the more 

 sensitive it becomes to injury from 

 currents. 



There are so many other inte- 

 resting experiments to be obtained 

 from our toy, that it would be easy 

 to fill many more pages with their 

 description and discussion ; but I 

 will now only describe one more, 

 which is the most fascinating of all. 

 This consists in harnessing the bub- 

 ble, and thus making it an actual 

 balloon. This is a matter so easy of 

 performance, that the only wonder 

 is that it has not been done long ago. 

 The following is the method : — 



Take some foreign post paper, 

 not too highly glazed, and cut out 

 a circle of the size A; then by 

 means of sealing-wax attach a piece 

 of fine thread to the centre, using as little wax as is consis- 

 tent with a secure attachment. Allow the paper disc, thus 

 prepared, to steep for some time in the bubble solution, until 

 thoroughly moistened, and it is then fit to attach to the bub- 

 ble. For this purpose, blow a small bubble with the tobacco 

 pipe, and bringing the surface of the moistened paper disc 

 gently against the bubble by means of the thread, in the man- 

 ner of a boy's sucker, it will immediately adhere, without at 

 all affecting the health of the bubble, which can be blown to 

 its usual size, and gently detached from the pipe. It will then 

 remain attached to the thread, and can be swung about at 

 pleasure. "When this process has been managed with care, 



