The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1859-05-10


our hands into the moulds and into the trough
filled with the melted metals, which was
flowing out of Wilkinson furnace, the ra-
dation of which was uncomfortable even alta
considerable distance. We varied our ex-
periments for more than two hours. Mme'
permitted her daughter, child of eight
years, to put her hands into trough full
of the incandeScent metal, and she did it
without injury. e., cd t-t
The character of the Able and the physi-
clan did not permit me tOidoubt; however,
must say that this seemed to me so impos-
sible that my mind refused TO accept it, and
that, like st. Thomas, to believe must see.
a went to see NJ. BOutigny, and expressed
20 him my desire tosssss. AN experiment of
: interest, omittisg, however, any expression
of doubt as TO lis success.
The Savant received me kindly, offered 10
repeat it before me, and give ME an Oppor-
tuniiy 10 wash my hands in the molten
metal.
The offer was attractive, scientifically
speaking; but still had some hesitation,
which the reader, think, will appreciate
In case OF mistake, there was the carboni-
zation OF my two hands in prospect felt
that ought to have great consideration for
them, as they had been instruments of inn
mense value To me. So hesitated.
I" Have you not confidence i'll me?' said
NJ. Boutigny.
; ayes" | answered, | have great conf
dcnce, but -
"But-yOu are afraid confess it, said
4 the Doctor, smiling. But. to tranquilize
( you, | will try the temperature of the liquid
before you put your hands in it.
/ about what j. the temperature of the
molten metal 2
J "a thousand degrees"
I "a thousand degrees That must be a
jolly experiment. will DO it,
At the day appointed by Dr. Boutigny,
we went to La Villette, to Mr.. Davidson's
I foundry, where he had obtained permission
TO try the experiment.
7 Upon entering this vast establishment,
/ experienced deep emotion. The Internal
noise produced 10y the immense blowers;
/ the flames escaping from the furnaces the
sparkling lava carried by powerful machine
| ry and surging in immense troughs; the
workmen, thin and sinewy, blackened by
the smoke and charcoal; men and things
/ presented solemn appearance
The foreman came to US and showed us
! the furnace where we were to make our trial.
While they were preparing to let out the jet,
we stood a few moments in silence near the
7 furnace. Then began this not very conso-
| latory conversation;
! % could not prevail upon myself to re-
/ peat this experiment, said Mir BOutigny,
except for you. do not like TO do it.
! confess that although | am sure of the re-
] 1t /
| cannot represS."
81 II that be the case, answered, "let
US go back. believe you"
"No, no; mean to show you this sin
gular phenomenon. Come. he added, "let
us see your hands"
And he took them in his.
"The d-li" said he, they are rather
dry for our work"
sYou think So"
"Certainly"
us it dangerous, then?"
ait may be-"
ain that case let us go, said l. turning
towards the door.
"1hat would be n pity, he answered,
stopping me. "Here, dip your hands in
this water, wipe them well, and your skin
will preserve as much moisture As may be
necessary r
For the success of this experiment, all
that is necessary to be observed is to have
the hands slightly moist | regret that
cannot explain the principle upon which the
hands are protected, but that would require
several chapters. 1t is enough TO say that
metal in fusion is held at a distance from
the skin by a force of repulsiOn which OPP
poses to it an insurmountable barrier.
| had scarcely wiped my hands when
the furnace was opened, and jet burst forth
as large rs a mans arm. Sparks flew on
all sides as in piece of fireworks.
await few moments" said Mr.. Boutig-
ny, I" till the metal clears itself; il would
not he prudent to make the experiment
now
Five minutes later the metal ceases TO
bubble and give off sparks. 1t became so
limpid and so brilliant that it burned our
eyes at several PAGES distance.
Suddenly my companion approaches the
furnace, and without any ceremOy washes
his hands in the liquid current as if it were
tepid water.
indulge in no bravado. | confess that
at this moment, my heart beat as if it would
burst through my bosom, and yet, when Mr.
Boutigny had finished his fantastic ablution,
advanced with a determination which re-
quired strong force of will. initiated his
motions; | dabbled in the burning lava, and
in the joy which this marvellous operation
inspired, l took a handful of the molten
mass and flung it into the air; it fell in
fiery rain.
The impression which I received from
touching this motion iron can only be COM
pared to that which ! would have received
in touching velvet made of liquid silk. 1t
is very delicate and very agreeable feel
ing.
! AtHOES! SNOES.2,O0O P.4IR OF
~ Ladies' BOotces Caters, Buskins, and Slippers;
Misses do do, Children's Shoes of all sizes and