Page:Experimental researches in chemistry and.djvu/353

338 pressure given by the exciting moist lingers is varied; with each change of this kind an immediate change of the crispation is observed.

72. This form of apparatus was enlarged until a board eighteen feet long was used, the layer of water being now three fourths of an inch in depth and twenty-eight inches by twenty inches in extent. The sides of the cistern were very much inclined, so that the water should gradually diminish in depth, and thus reflected waves be prevented. The vibrations were so slow as to be produced by the direct application of the hand, and the heaps were each from an inch to two inches in extent. Though of this magnitude, they were identical in their nature with those forming crispations on so small a scale as to appear merely like a dullness on the surface of the water.

73. In these experiments the proportion of water requires a general adjustment, the crispations being produced more readily and beautifully when there is a certain quantity than when there is less. For small crispations, the water should flow upon the surface freely. Large crispations require more water than small ones. Too much water sometimes interferes with the beauty of the appearance, but the crispation is not incompatible with much fluid, for the depth may amount to eight, ten, or twelve inches (1 ll), and is probably unlimited.

74. These crispations are equally produced upon either the under or the upper surface of vibrating plates. When the lower surface is moistened, and the bow applied (65), the drops which hang down by the force of gravity are rippled; but being immediately gathered up as described in the former paper (44), a certain definite layer is produced, which is beautifully rippled or crispated at the centres of vibration.

75. Most fluids, if not all, may be used to produce these crispations, but some with particular advantages; alcohol, oil of turpentine, white of egg, ink, and milk produce them. White of egg, notwithstanding its viscosity, shows them readily and beautifully. Ink has great advantages, because, from its colour and opacity, the surface form is seen undisturbed by any reflexion from the glass beneath; its appearance in sunshine is exceedingly beautiful. When diluted ink is used for large crispations, upon tin plate or over white paper, or