immersed do not (in a sensible manner) chemically act upon it; and that no evolution of oxygen at the anode in contact with iron under any circumstances takes place, if besides oxygen another anion is set free possessed of a strong affinity for iron. This metal having once had oxygen evolved at itself, proves always to be indifferent to nitric acid of a certain strength, whatever may be the chemical nature of the fluid in which the phenomenon has taken place.
I have made a series of experiments upon silver, copper, tin, lead, cadmium, bismuth, zinc, mercury, but none showed any resemblance to iron, for all of them were oxidised when serving as positive electrodes. Having at this present moment neither cobalt nor nickel at my command, I could not try these magnetic metals, which I strongly suspect to act in the Same manner as iron does.
It appears from what I have just stated that the anomalous bearing of the iron has nothing to do with its degree of affinity for oxygen, but must be founded upon something else. Your sagacity, which has already penetrated into so many mysteries of nature, will easily put away the veil which as yet covers the phenomenon stated in my letter, in case you should think it worth while to make it the object of your researches.
Before I finish I must beg of you the favour of overlooking with indulgence the many faults I have, no doubt, committed in my letter. Formerly I was tolerably well acquainted with your native tongue; but now, having been out of practice in writing or speaking it, it is rather hard work to me to express myself in English.
It is hardly necessary to say that you may privately or publicly make any use of the contents of this letter.—I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant,
C. T. Schoenbein,
Prof. of Chem. in the University of Bâle.
Bâle, May 17, 1836.
Dear Phillips,—The preceding letter from Professor Schoenbein, which I received a week or two ago, contains facts of such interest in relation to the first principles of chemical electricity, that I think you will be glad to publish it in your Philosophical Magazine. I send it to you unaltered, except in a word or two here and there; but am encouraged by what I consider the Professor's permission (or rather the request with which he has honoured me), to add a few results in confirmation of the effects
