9 
of the fixed Alkalies. 
portion of moisture ; which seems in no other way essential 
to the result, than in rendering them conductors at the 
surface : for the new substances are not generated till the inte- 
rior, which is dry, begins to be fused ; they explode when in 
rising through the fused alkali they come in contact with the 
heated moistened surface ; they cannot be produced from 
crystallized alkalies, which contain much water; and the 
effect produced by the electrization of ignited potash, which 
contains no sensible quantity of water, confirms the opinion 
of their formation independently of the presence of this 
substance. 
The combustible bases of the fixed alkalies seem to be 
repelled as other combustible substances, by positively elec- 
trified surfaces, and attracted by negatively electrified sur- 
faces, and the oxygene follows the contrary order ;f or the 
oxygene being naturally possessed of the negative energy, 
and the bases of the positive, do not remain in combination 
when either of them is brought into an electrical state 
opposite to its natural one. In the synthesis, on the contrary, 
the natural energies or attractions come in equilibrium with 
each other ; and when these are in a low state, at common 
temperatures, a slow combination is effected ; but when they 
are exalted by heat, a rapid union is the result ; and as in other 
like cases with the production of fire. — A number of circum- 
stances relating to the agencies of the bases of the alkalies will 
be immediately stated, and will be found to offer confirma- 
tions of these general conclusions. 
* See Bakerian Lecture 1806, page 28 Phil. Trans, for 1807. 
MDCCCVIIL 
c 
