Analyfis of the Air. 183 
But by many of the preceding Experi- 
ments, it is evident, that the matter loft 
in the Analyfis of thefe bodies was elaf- 
'.rick air, a very aftive principle in fire, 
but not an elemental fire, as he fuppofes. 
Mr. Geoffrey compounded fiilphur of 
acid Salt, Bitumen, a little Earth and oil 
of Tartar.'* Mem. de I* Acad. Anno 1703. 
In which oil of Tartar there is much air by 
Experiment 74, which air was doubtlefs by 
its elafticity very inftrumental in the inflam- 
mability of this artificial fulphur. 
If fire was a particular diftind kind of body 
inherent in fulphur, as Mr. Homberg, Mr. 
Lemerj/y and fome others imagin, then fuch 
fulphureous bodies, when ignited, fhould 
ratify and dilate all the circumambient air 5 
whereas it is found by many of the preced- 
ing Experiments, that acid fulphureous fuel 
conftantly attrads and condenfes a confide- 
rable part of the circumambient elaftick air. 
An argument, that there is no fire endued 
with peculiar properties inherent in fulphur 5 
and alfo that the heat of fire confifts prin- 
cipally in the brisk vibrating adion and re- 
adion, between the elaftick repelling air, 
and the ftrongly at trading acid fulphur, which 
fulphur 
