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368 SWEDENBORG’S CORRESPONDENCE. [Doc. 128.
one
because and the same phenomenon cannot only be
produced in a great many ways, but one thing may be appa
rently like another, although in itself it is entirely different.
In this case, therefore, the same rules must be observed as
in the algebraical analyses, where one must have such pro
positions or data as will enable one to conclude in respect to
those that are sought after. The change of colour does not
furnish me any datum at all, inasmuch as this may be produced
in a hundred different ways, and the particles also may be
similarly circumstanced in respect to form , position, pellu
cidity, etc.; and yet entirely different in one case from what
it is in another. Without noticing the experiments recorded
in books, and which may be studied there, I will only mention
two instances known to myself, which may usefully receive
your consideration. Councillor of Commerce Polhem,14 about
thirty years ago, made an experiment in Fahlun with mercury
and sulphur, which he mixed, and introduced into a strong
iron globe, and then laid, or probably immured in a blast
furnace, where it was exposed to a pretty strong heat; when
the mixture was taken out, it had a golden colour, but it was
in powder, and could not be made into a solid mass. The
late Councillor of Mines Lybecker108 [died 1714] was present
at this experiment. With regard to the second experiment,
about making gold white, I wish to state that when Brunsbo
was burnt down in 1712, there was an iron- chest, in which
were ducats; among these were some, where 4 or $ portion
of the surface upon one side became as white as silver. These
I handled myself, and the true gold colour could not be restored
to them by glowing. As I did not trouble myself very much
at that time with chemistry, I did not make any other experi
ments with them. This I wish to communicate to you, that
you may think about it; inasmuch as it concerns such things
as are unknown to chemistry. I remain with all esteem,
Your most obedient servant,
EM . SWEDENBORG .
Written from 1741-1743; for 30 years after Councillor
Lybecker’s death would be 1744 ; he was made Councillor of
Mines in 1713.)
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