Page:Experimental researches in chemistry and.djvu/228

1827. usual point of fluidity and that which could thus be obtained is so great: it, in the present instance, amounts to 130°, and it might probably have been rendered greater if artificial cold had been applied.

On the Fluidity of Suqahur and Phosphorus at Common Temperatures.

some time ago a short account of an instance of the existence of fluid sulphur at common temperatures ; and though I thought the fact curious, I did not esteem it of such importance as to put more than my initials to the account. I have just learned, through the 'Bulletin Universal' for September, p. 178, that Signor Bellani had observed the same fact in 1813, and published it in the 'Giornale di Fisica', vol. vi. (old series). I also learn, by the same means, that M. Bellani complains of the manner in which facts and theories, which have been published by him, are afterwards given by others as new discoveries; and though I find myself classed with Gay-Lussac, Sir H. Davy, Daniell, Bostock, 8ic., in having thus erred, I shall not rest satisfied without making restitution, for M. Bellani in this instance certainly deserves it at my hand.

Not being able to obtain access to the original journal, I shall quote M. Bellani's very curious experiments from the ' Bulletin, in which they appear to be fully described. "The property which water possesses of retaining its fluid state, when in tranquillity, at temperatures 10° or 15° below its freezing-point, is well known; phosphorus behaves in the same manner; sometimes its fluidity may be retained at 13° (Centigrade 2) for a minute, an hour, or even many days. What is singular is, that, though water cooled below its freezing-point congeals easily upon slight internal movement, however communicated, phosphorus, on the contrary, sometimes retains its liquid state at 3°, even though it be shaken in a tube, or poured upon cold water. But, as soon as it has acquired the lowest temperature which it can bear without solidifying, the moment it is touched with a body at the same temperature, it solidifies so