A new theory of galvanism : supported by some experiments and observations made by means of the calorimotor, a new galvanic instrument ; also, a new mode of decomposing potash extemporaneously ; read before the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia / by Robert Hare, M.D. ; ... accompanied by an engraving.

  • Hare, Robert, 1781-1858.
Date:
1819
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A new theory of galvanism : supported by some experiments and observations made by means of the calorimotor, a new galvanic instrument ; also, a new mode of decomposing potash extemporaneously ; read before the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia / by Robert Hare, M.D. ; ... accompanied by an engraving. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    the electric fluid, and that the phenomena of Galvan- ism, the unlimited evolution of heat by friction, the extrication of gaseous matter without the production of cold, might all be explained by supposing a combi- nation between the fluids of heat and electricity. We find scarcely any. two kinds of ponderable matter which do not exercise more or less affinity towards each other. Moreover, imponderable particles are supposed highly attractive of ponderable ones. Why then should we not infer the existence of similar af- finities between imponderable particles reciprocally ? That a peculiar combination between heat and light exists in the solar beams, is evident from their not imparting warmth to a lens through which they may pass, as do those of our culinary fires. Under this view of the case, the action of the poles in Galvanic decomposition is one of complex affinity. The particles of compounds are attracted to the dif- ferent wires agreeably to their susceptibilities to the positive and negative attraction, and the caloric leav- ing the electric fluid with which it had been com- bined, unites with them at the moment that their electric state is neutralized. As an exciting fluid, I have usually employed a solution of one part sulphuric acid, and two parts muriate of soda with seventy of water; but, to my surprise, I have produced nearly a white heat by an alkaline solution barely sensible to the taste. For the display of the heat effects, the addition of manganese, red lead, or the nitrats, is advantageous.