Note 63 — APPENDIX, NO. 1.
Reading edition
Dr. Priestley among his other experiments on electricity first ascertained the conducting power of charcoal and the calcination and vitrification even of the most perfect metals by the electric spark. He seems first to have used large batteries, which M. Van Marum and his associates have carried to such extent.
The solutions of the metals, the gasses produced and the circumstances which accelerate and prevent these effects in Galvanic processes with the pile of Volta, as detailed by Dr. Priestley in his paper on this subject in Nich. Journ. for March 1802 p. 198 form very important additions to the mass of knowledge respecting the Galvanic fluid. Nor are his discoveries in pneumatic electricity, of the conversion of oils, spirit of wine and the alkaline gass into inflammable air or hydrogen of less moment.