Wonders of chemistry--Origin, progress, and objects of
alchemy--Art of breathing fire--Employed by Barchochebas,
Eunus, &c.--Modern method--Art of walking
upon burning coals and red-hot iron, and of plunging the
hands in melted lead and boiling water--Singular property
of boiling tar--Workmen plunge their hands in
melted copper--Trial of ordeal by fire--Aldini’s incombustible
dresses--Examples of their wonderful power in
resisting flame--Power of breathing and enduring air of
high temperatures--Experiments made by Sir Joseph
Banks, Sir Charles Blagden, and Mr. Chantrey 227