and on a new Chemico-Mechanical Battery. 321 



metal is next to be placed in an acid solution with a little 

 nitro-muriate of platinum, which metal is to be thrown down 

 by the formation of a simple galvanic circuit; and lastly, the 

 platinized metal is to be formed with amalgamated zinc into 

 a battery, either with a porous tube or paper bag, or without 

 them, according to the fancy of the operator, or the purpose 

 for which it is wanted. 



The advantage from this form of battery arises, as I believe, 

 from a mechanical help to the evolution of the hydrogen ; and 

 therefore it is proposed to call it the Chemico-mechanical 

 battery. This battery may remain in the acid for a length of 

 time, and neither the amalgamated zinc nor platinized silver 

 will undergo the slightest change, and the whole will be as 

 silent as death. Let only communication be made, the liquid 

 in each cell becomes troubled ; — it boils— it bubbles, and 

 produces the effects which have been detailed. The quan- 

 tity of electricity passing through either wires or liquids 

 may be pretty accurately judged from the action taking place 

 in the battery, for if the communication be made through a 

 liquid of difficult decomposition, or through long small wires 

 (70 or 80 feet), but little gas will be given olFfrom the pla- 

 tinized metal, but when short thick wires are used the action 

 is violent. A galvanometer might be constructed of one cell, 

 similar to the oxygen cell of Professor Daniell, as this would 

 show the exact amount of electricity passing. 



The importance of constructing a battery that shall be small 

 in compass, efficient in action, cheap in its operation, and 

 devoid of troublesome manipulation, is important in the highest 

 degree; and I consider that my chemico-mechanical battery 

 will be found frequently a useful means of obtaining gases for 

 the oxy-hydrogen light. Its value for blowing up vessels 

 under water, and exploding powder in mines, is sufficiently 

 obvious. 



In conducting the extensive series of experiments, of which 

 this is a summary, the grand features have been rather at- 

 tended to than very minute results; and in conclusion, it 

 would ill befit me if I did not here mention the valuable as- 

 sistance I have received by the loan of apparatus, &c. from 

 many individuals, but most especially from Professor Daniell, 

 William Terry, Esq., and Mr. E. Palmer. 



Bfink of England, Feb. 29, 1840. 



Phil. Mag. S. 3. Vol. 16. No. 103. April 1840. 



