Page:On the various forces of nature and their relations to each other.djvu/113

Rh is very singular, because we know of nothing of the kind in the forces either of gravitation or cohesion. For instance, here are some oxygen particles, and here is a lump of carbon particles. I am going to put the carbon particles into the oxygen; they can act, but they do not—they are just like this unlighted candle. It stands here quietly on the table, waiting until we want to light it. But it is not so in this other case. Here is a substance, gaseous like the oxygen, and if I put these particles of metal into it, the two combine at once. The copper and the chlorine unite by their power of chemical affinity, and produce a body entirely unlike either of the substances used. And in this other case, it is not that there is any deficiency of affinity between the carbon and oxygen; for the moment I choose to put them in a condition to exert their affinity, you will see the difference. [The piece of charcoal was ignited, and introduced into the jar of oxygen, when the combustion proceeded with vivid scintillations.]

Now, this chemical action is set going exactly as it would be if I had lighted the candle, or