Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 024.djvu/394

To 2 or 3 small pieces of Phosphorus in a Glass Dish was added a small Portion of Oyl of Vitriol, Tartar per Deliquium, and Oyl of Cloves, which Mixture fir'd the Phosphorus in the open Air: But adding a little common Water, the Flame extinguish'd. This Preparation being included in a Receiver, very little light appear'd: But upon exhausting the Air, it became very apparent, and sent forth Vivid Steams. The Ingredients in the Dish (at the same time) appear'd very much to resemble a Boyling Flame, exhibiting a large Light; so that several Objects near it were render'd distinguishable, and continu'd so till the Air was admitted, at which time it became Opake. Nor would shaking the Engine (by which means the Mixture in the Dish was put in motion) produce any sensible Recovery of Light.

A small quantity of the pre-mention'd Ingredients being put into a Bottle with a narrow neck, and included under a Receiver, appear'd then with very little Light; but on withdrawing the Air the Phosphorus began to be Luminous, and continu'd to increase, in proportion to the Rarification of the Air, issuing out of the Bottle in a Pyramidical form. At last (notwithstanding the Receiver was well exhausted) the Vivid Steams that were then emitted were so fine and subtile as to ascend in so thin a medium, reaching the upper parts of the Receiver (which was not tall) descending again by the sides thereof. Upon letting in the Air the Light perfectly vanish'd; and it would have been in vain (as I have often try'd) to have waited in expectation of its Recovery in the open Air.