SCIENTIFIC LECTURE AT THE MASONIC HALL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 286, 23 March 1877, Page 2

SCIENTIFIC LECTURE AT THE MASONIC HALL.

One of the most appreciative audiences ever drawn together in onr recollection attended Professor Black's lecture upon Oxygen and Its Relation to Combustion" last evening, the hall being simply filled from top to bottom, and the audience wera mist attentive throughout, the Professor remarking later on in the cours3 of the evening that it was the most attentive one he had ever had the pleasure of illustrating experiments to in Ofcago. Mr. Thos. Forrester occupied the chair, and after introducing the Professor to the audience, took the opportunity to inform them that the Mechanics' Institute Committee had made arrangements to which the public of O.unaru would be enabled to attend a series of lectures, to be given from time to time under their auspices, and hoped that they would be attended as well as this one.

Professor Black then began the lecture by illustrating an experiment by whic;i oxygen gas was made, and then explained the relative properties of the different gases contained in the atmosphere. He then showed how, by mixing sulphuric acid or oil of vitriol with a little white sugar, such as is commonly used, it was changed into common charcoal. It was handed around amongst the audience, who, judging from their looks, seemed taken aback at the thought that common sugar could be turned into charcoal. The next experiment was that of showing the difference between oxygen, carbonic acid gas, and the air that we inhale every time we draw breath. He took a- lighted taper (after having the different vessels containing the subjects of experiment prepared), and proceeded to show that by placing the light in that vessel containing ordinary air, it burnt just the same as before, but by transferring it to the oxygen, it illuminated the whole place, and, again, by transferring it to the carbonic acid, it was immediately extinguished. He repeated the experiment several times. This was received with rounds of applause that must have been very gratifying to the lecturer. Those who have seen the famous Will-o'-the-wisp

ia the North of Scotland and other places must surely be satisfied with the explana--tion of its origin given by the lecturer last everiig. Then, by taking a small piece of blotting .paptr, and dipping it in a solution of .two chemicals (the names of which we did not catch), and holding the paper in the air for a minute or so, it ignited, thus showing the principle of spontaneous combustion. This and a, few other experiments brought to a close one of the must enjoyable and instructive lectures it has ever been our lot to witness. Be:ore concluding, the Rev. Mr. Todd, in a few remarks, said that he had no doubt that the next time Professor Black visited Oamaru he would find the juvenile portion of the audience more attentive. Re then proposed a vote of thanks to Professor Black for the scientific treat he had afforded to the Oamaruites, which, it is almost needless to say, was unanimously responded to by everyone present. In reply, the lecturer said that he was highly grateful to the audience for the attention paid to him during the course of the lecture, especially that shown by the juveniles; and further stated that if the Oommi.'tee of the Mechanics' Institute desired to use his services at any future time, lie would be most happy to place them at their disposal. The usual vote of thanks to the Chairman brought the entertainment to a close.