1812.
Æt. 20-1.
to me against the attacks of the little god-demon, by
Le Sage's pardon. You, no doubt, are aware that this is not the first time that he has been conquered by philosophy and science. The last-named person informs us very minutely in what manner he was shut up in a glass bottle, and rendered incapable of doing mischief. Oh that I were as wise as that Sage, that I could shut little cupids in glass bottles! What exquisite presents they would be to the ladies! and how irresistible would the fair sex be to all who knew not how to oppose them thus unarmed, though I must confess they are not quite so absolute since the discovery of this anti-amorous remedy, galvanism. You will not have forgotten, too, when we set the nitrous oxide in opposition to him; and since galvanism now aids the gas, it is not possible for the little urchin to keep his ground. Farewell to him. I am now going to set my piles in action, in which state I shall leave them all night; and in the morning I will note down what phenomena I shall perceive
. . . . . . . Alas! alas! the salt-box is empty, and as it is too late to procure a fresh quantity, I shall wish you all health and happiness, and wish you a good-night.'
"Tuesday morning, half-past six o'clock,
and a fine morning.
'Good-day to you, Sir. I now intend to proceed on with my letter from the point where I left off; not exactly though, for as yet I have no salt, and I do not like to substitute any other solution or any acid, because I suspect both the acid and the alkali bear a part in the transmission of the metals. I am exceedingly obliged to you for your ideas on this sub-