_Do the Sun's Rays put out the Fire?_ (Vol. vii., p. 285.).--
"Why does the sun, shining, on a fire, make it dull, and often
put it out?
"1st. Because the air (being rarefied by the sunshine) flows
more slowly to the fire; and
"2ndly. The chemical action of the sun's rays is detrimental
to combustion.
"The sun's rays are composed of three parts; lighting,
heating, and actinic or chemical rays. These latter interfere
with the process of combustion."
The above is an extract from Rev. Dr. Brewer's _Guide to the Scientific
Knowledge of Things Familiar_, 6th edition, p. 50., which may perhaps
prove interesting to C. W. B. At p. 58. of the same book, H. A. B. will
find, I think, an answer in the affirmative to his Query (Vol. vii., p.
286.): "Is there such a thing as spontaneous combustion?"