L ^ 94 ] 
I have been more particular in the examination of 
fome of the foregoing fads, as they feem to contra- 
did: an opinion generally received, that the folution 
of metals by lightning is effeded by a kind of cold 
fufion j for it appears very evident, that the melted 
iron -wire, in the feveral preceding cafes, had all the 
marks of heat and ignition, that ufually attend the fu~ 
iion of that metal, when brought about by common 
fire. I am, 
Dear Sir, 
Your moil: obedient fervant, 
CainsfonT-ftreet, Southwark, 
Septem. 28th, 1759. 
Wm. Mountaine. 
Some Remarks on the preceding Letter , by 
Gowin Knight, M.B> F.R.S. a?id Princi- 
pal Librarian of the Britiih Mu feu m. 
\ 
Read Nov. 22, r ’l""' J-J E fads, contained in Mr. Moun- 
taine’s letter, are an evident proof, 
that the fufion of metals by lightning is, fometimes 
at lead, attended with heat and ignition, as in the 
cafe of common fufion. And, fince the reading of 
thofe fads, I have been more and more induced to 
fufped, that the received opinion of a cold fufion is 
a vulgar error, tho’ too generally adopted, and of 
very long handing. From fome of the circumftances 
attending thefe fads, compared with what is to be 
found in authors relating to the fame fubjed, I think 
it poflible both to fhew, whence this opinion firfl 
took its rife, and how it became fo general ; and at 
the 
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