effected by galvanic or electric action. Although fermentation has always been considered a very uncertain operation, and subject to every fluctuation of weather, we entertain some doubts upon that subject, and are also inclined to think that the causes influencing fermentation are not so little under control as may be generally supposed. If alcohol be the production of a regular chemical action during the process of fermentation, by disturbing the progress of that action, we will no doubt materially interfere with the results. If we find that in certain situations, and under certain circumstances, fermentation goes on much more regularly and uniformly than others, while using precisely the same kind of materials, we have a right to suppose that the want of uniformity must proceed from causes, which may be traced and removed. That the direct application of common electricity or voltaic electricity materially affects fermentation, there cannot be the slightest doubt; indeed it is established by several undeniable facts.
We shall, however, in the first place, insert an abstract of a paper on this subject, which was communicated by the author, to the British Association at their meeting in Liverpool, in 1837.
“I trust I may be excused in drawing the attention of the meeting of the British Association to a short notice of the injurious influence which electricity exerts on the fermentation of the worts of the
