[185] 
which they might be fupported and kept at a di- 
flance, they inftantly fall, coalefce, and become wa- 
ter again. 
The water commonly diffufed in our atmofpherc 
never receives fuch a degree of heat from the fun, 
or other caufe, as water has when boiling j it is not, 
therefore, fupported by fuch heat, but by adhering 
to air. 
Water being diflblved in, and adhering to air, 
that air will not readily take up oil, becaule of the 
natural repellency between water and oil. 
Hence cold oils evaporate but flowly, the air 
having generally a quantity .of diifolved water. 
Oil being heated extreamly, the air that approaches 
its furface will be alfo heated extremely ; the water 
then quitting it, it will attradl and carry off oil, 
which can now adhere to it. Hence the quick eva- 
poration of oil heated to a great degree. 
Oil being diffolved in air, the particles to which 
it adheres will not take up water. 
Hence the fuifbcating nature of air impregnated 
with burnt greafe, as from fnuffs of candles, and the 
like. A certain quantity of moiffure fhould be every 
moment difeharged and taken away from the lungs. 
Air that has been frequently breathed is already 
overloaded, and for that reafon can take no more, 
fo will not anfwer the end. Greafy air refufes to 
touch it. In both cafes fuffocation for want of the 
difeharge. 
Air will attrad and fupport many other fub- 
dances. 
A particle of air loaded with adhering water, or 
any other matter, is heavier than before, and would 
defeend. 
VoL. LV. B b 
The 
