combinations of platinum. 117 
The action of alcohol on the powder is curious, and is 
connected with the decomposition of both substances. When 
the powder is brought in contact with the vapour of alcohol, 
at the common temperature of the air, there is an immediate 
chemical action ; the heat generated is sufficient to reduce 
and ignite the metal, and to continue it in a state of ignition, 
until the alcohol is consumed. In this case, the acid first 
noticed by Sir H. Davy, (in his beautiful experiment of the 
ignited platinum wire, and since, more fully examined by 
Mr. Daniell), is produced. In other instances, the acetic 
acid, as has been mentioned, is formed. It would be prema- 
ture to speculate on the uses to which this powder may be 
applied, but from its peculiar properties, there is reason to 
think it will admit of some useful applications. I have already 
employed it as an easy means of affording heat and light. To 
produce heat, it is only necessary to moisten any porous sub- 
stance, such as sponge, cork, cotton, asbestos, sand, &c. with 
alcohol or whiskey, and to let a particle of the powder fall on 
the substance so moistened ; it instantly becomes red hot, and 
remains so until the spirit is consumed ; nor is the ignited 
metal extinguished by exposure to the atmosphere, or by 
blowing the breath on it ; on the contrary, partial currents of 
air only make it glow brighter. The heat produced in this 
way, may be accumulated to a considerable extent, by increa- 
sing the quantity of the materials employed. I have also 
constructed a tinder box, to procure immediate light by 
means of the powder. It consists of two small phials placed 
in a japanned box, and some sulphur matches tipped with 
phosphorus. One of the phials contains the powder ; the other, 
alcohol. The stopper of the phial containing the alcohol, 
