Paper, 'Observations and tryalls about the resemblances and differences between a burning coale and shineing wood' by Robert Boyle

Description

Details of a series of experiments undertaken to show the resemblances and differences between the characteristics of burning coal and wood. Boyle writes that 'both of them are luminaries, that is, give light', both require the presence of air to burn and that 'both a quick coal and shining wood will be easily quencht by water and many other liquors.' He writes that 'a live coal being put into a small-close-glass will not continue to burn for very many minutes; but a piece of shining wood will continue to shine for some whole dayes.' In total Boyle presents five similarities and six differences.

Subject: Chemistry / Combustion

Published in Philosophical Transactions as 'Observations and tryals about the resemblances and differences between a burning coal and shining wood'

Reference number

CLP/17/9

Earliest possible date

1667-1668

Physical description

Ink on paper

Page extent

8 pages

Format

Manuscript