d
produced, which quadrates exactly with the results of these experiments.

Another species of experiment proves very evidently that the aeriform
state is a modification of bodies dependent on the degree of
temperature, and on the pressure which these bodies undergo. In a Memoir
read by Mr de la Place and me to the Academy in 1777, which has not been
printed, we have shown, that, when ether is subjected to a pressure
equal to twenty-eight inches of the barometer, or about the medium
pressure of the atmosphere, it boils at the temperature of about 32 deg.
(104 deg.), or 33 deg. (106.25 deg.), of the thermometer. Mr de Luc, who
has made similar experiments with spirit of wine, finds it boils at 67
deg. (182.75 deg.). And all the world knows that water boils at 80 deg.
(212 deg.). Now, boiling being only the evaporation of a liquid, or the
moment of its passing from the fluid to the aeriform state, it is
evident that, if we keep ether continually at the temperature of 33 deg.
(106.25 deg.), and under the common pressure of the atmosphere, we shall
have it always in an elastic aeriform state; and that the same thing
will happen with alkohol when above 67 deg. (182.75 deg.), and with
water when above 80 deg. (212 deg.); all which are perfectly conformable
to the following experiment[7].

I filled a large vessel ABCD (Plate VII. Fig. 16.) with water, at 35 deg.
(110.75 deg.), or 36 deg. (113 deg.); I suppose the vessel transparent,
that we may see what takes place in the experiment; and we can easily
hold the hands in water at that temperature without inconvenience. Into
it I plunged some narrow necked bottles F, G, which were filled with the
water, after which they were turned up, so as to rest on their mouths on
the bottom of the vessel. Having next put some ether into a very small
matrass, with its neck a b c, twice bent as in the Plate, I plunged this
matrass into the water, so as to have its neck inserted into the mouth
of one of the bottles F. Immediately upon feeling the effects of the
heat communicated to it by the water in the vessel ABCD it began to
boil; and the caloric entering into combination with it, changed it into
elastic aeriform fluid, with which I filled several bottles
successively, F, G, &c.

This is not the place to enter upon the examination of the nature and
properties of this aeriform fluid, which is extremely inflammable; but,
confining myself to the object at present in view, without anticipating