Scientific amusements . filled with hydrogen gas, producedby the action exercised by a foundation of zinc on acidu-lated water. If the knob on the upper part of theapparatus is pressed, the hydrogen escapes, and comes incontact piece of spongy platinum, which, acting byoxidation, becomes ignited. The flame produced sets fireto a small oil lamp, which is opposite the jet of very ingenious lamp is known under the name ofGay-Lussacs lamp. Platinum can also produce, by merecontact, a great number of chemical reactions. Place in atest glass an explosive mixture formed of two volumes
Scientific amusements . filled with hydrogen gas, producedby the action exercised by a foundation of zinc on acidu-lated water. If the knob on the upper part of theapparatus is pressed, the hydrogen escapes, and comes incontact piece of spongy platinum, which, acting byoxidation, becomes ignited. The flame produced sets fireto a small oil lamp, which is opposite the jet of very ingenious lamp is known under the name ofGay-Lussacs lamp. Platinum can also produce, by merecontact, a great number of chemical reactions. Place in atest glass an explosive mixture formed of two volumes ofhydrogen and one volume of oxygen; in this gas plunge asmall piece of spongy platinum, and the combination of the FLAMELESS LAMP. 33 two bodies will be instantly brought about, making a violentexplosion. Make a small spiral of platinum red-hot in theflame of a lamp, having suspended it to a card ; thenplunge it quickly into a glass containing ether, and youwill see the metallic spiral remain red for some time, while. Discolouration of periwinkles by sulphuric acia. in the air it would cool immediately. This phenomenonis due to the action of oxidation which the platinumexercises over the fumes of ether. This curious experi-ment is known under the name of the lamp without aflame. This remarkable oxidizing power of platinum, whichhas not yet been explained, was formerly designated by 34 CHEMISTRY. the title of catalytic action. But a phrase is not a theory,and it is always preferable to avow ones ignorance thanto simulate an apparent knowledge. Science is powerfulenough to be able to express her doubts and uncertaintiesboldly. In observing nature we find an experience of this,
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade189, booksubjectscientificrecreations
