It is probably an
age too soon, to propose the establishment of a system. The attempt,
therefore, of Lavoisier to reform the chemical nomenclature, is
premature. One single experiment may destroy the whole filiation of
his terms, and his string of sulfates, sulfiles, and sulfures may have
served no other end, than to have retarded the progress of the science,
by a jargon, from the confusion of which, time will be requisite to
extricate us. Accordingly, it is not likely to be admitted generally.
You are acquainted with the properties of the composition of nitre,
salt of tartar, and sulphur, called _pulvis fulminans_. Of this, the
explosion is produced by heat alone. Monsieur Bertholet, by dissolving
silver in the nitrous acid, precipitating it with lime-water, and drying
the precipitate on ammoniac, has discovered a powder, which fulminates
most powerfully, on coming into contact with any substance whatever.
Once made, it cannot be touched. It cannot be put into a bottle, but
must remain in the capsula, where dried. The property of the spathic
acid, to corrode flinty substances, has been lately applied by a Mr.
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