280 W. Hallock—Flow of Solids. 



" Granulated c. p. lead " in a paper roll was subjected to 6,000 

 atmospheres in the above apparatus. On taking it out there 

 was not the least sign of fusion or true liquefaction. It was 

 merely pressed together, and could easily be broken and reduced 

 to the original grains between the thumb and finger. It is true 

 these experiments were not performed in vacuo, a condition which 

 Mr. Spring considers important. But if there is a true lique- 

 faction, why does not the air rise to the top of the cavity and 

 allow fusion as it does when the granulated lead is heated. There 

 was no liquefaction — only a pressing or sticking together. Pow- 

 dered bismuth behaved in precisely the same manner ; also 

 powdered calcite. As a critical experiment and a type of many 

 others, the following may close those here enumerated. 



The charge was composed as follows : 



A, small section of antimony from a previous test. 



B, piece of beeswax whittled round nearly filling the hole. 



C, " " paraffine " " " " " " " 



D, ground bismuth in paper roll. 



E, paraffine same as C. 



F, small section of lead from a previous test. 



d d, two double pointed tacks stuck radially into the wax 

 and parafine; at b b two silver coins (old 3c. pieces) were laid 

 on top of the wax and paraffine in the cylinder. 



What is the condition of affairs to be expected after submit- 

 ting this charge to 6,000 atmospheres ? According to Mr. 

 Spring's results we should expect the silver pieces and tacks 

 to sink through the liquefied wax and paraffine, which would 

 mix where in contact (B and C). Still more, the lead even 

 would yield, then the antimony and bismuth, and these, by the 

 action of gravity, would flow down and mix at the bottom of 

 the cylinder while the wax and paraffine filled the top. 



The actual result was that the substances all came out just as they 

 went in. There was not the slightest trace of even a tendency 

 to flow on the part of the metals. There was no sign of fusion 

 between the wax and paraffine, which separated on their surface 

 of contact (between B and C) clean and distinct, d d and b b 

 did not sink to the bottom, but retained their original positions, 

 the silver pieces were forced against the top of the cylinder so 

 powerfully that their impression was left in the steel holder, 

 easily seen and/e&. The silver pieces were bent curved, fitting 

 the inside of the cylinder. The wax and paraffine had yielded 

 at first as viscous solids till they filled the cylinder, but under 

 pressure developed a considerable rigidity. 



