Page:The fairy tales of science.djvu/113

Rh into the amorphous variety by means of heat, without adding to it any new substance, therefore we are quite sure that the soft translucent solid that takes fire so easily is chemically the same substance as that uninflammable solid which looks like a piece of common red sealing-wax. Were we unable to effect this strange transmutation, we should doubtless regard these two modifications of phosphorus as distinct elements.

The invisible gas, oxygen, can be made to assume a very strange condition, by transmitting through it a succession of electric sparks. This altered oxygen, which has received the name of ozone, exhibits some very striking properties. It has a powerful odour, whereas ordinary oxygen is destitute of the slightest smell. It possesses considerable bleaching powers, corrodes organic matters, and acts as a powerful oxidizing agent. It seems to be much more active than ordinary oxygen, and might easily be taken for a distinct element by those ignorant of the fact that its active character can be destroyed by heat.

These instances of actual transmutation will suffice to convince the reader that alchemy still exists. He will see that our modern alchemists are true descendants of the ancient gold-seekers, though they no longer believe in the philosopher's stone. He will be less disposed to ridicule the idea of the transmutation of metals, and will be able to form some conception of the wonderful products of modern alchemy.