This experiment, showing the elasticity of air, is performed with a
pleasing toy. It represents a figure of Bacchus sitting across a cask,
in which are two separate compartments. Put into one of them a portion
of wine or coloured liquid, and place the apparatus under the exhausted
receiver of an air-pump, when the elastic force of the confined air
will cause the liquid to ascend a transparent glass tube, (fitted on
purpose,) into the mouth of the Bacchanalian figure. To render the
experiment more striking, a bladder, with a small quantity of air
therein, is fastened around the figure, and covered with a loose silken
robe, when the air in the bladder will expand, and produce an apparent
increase in the bulk of the figure, as if occasioned by the excess of
liquor drunk.