Univ. Coll., London.
_Spontaneous Combustion_ (Vol. vii., p. 286.).--A most interesting
discussion of this question is to be found in Liebig's _Familiar Letters
upon Chemistry_.
That chemist proves conclusively:--1. That of the cases adduced none is
well authenticated, while in most it is admitted that the victims were
drunkards, and that generally a candle or lamp was in the room, and after
the alleged combustion was found turned over. 2. That spontaneous
combustion is absolutely impossible, the human frame containing 75 or 80
per cent. of water; and since flesh, when saturated with alcohol, is not
consumed upon the application of a light, the alcohol burning off first,
the causes assigned to account for the spontaneous ignition are _à priori_
extremely improbable.