The experiments, which form the subject of the present communication were undertaken, not only on account of the difference between the estimates that have been made of the quantity of carbon in carbonic acid, but because those of Guyton de Morveau, which are most frequently preferred at this time in various systems of chemistry, appeared liable to many objections, from the manner in which they were conducted; while the original experiments of Lavoisier, on the contrary, appear to have been performed with much accuracy, and had moreover been confirmed by Mr. Tennant in his researches on the nature of the diamond. The design of the authoi’s was to consume certain known quantities of diamond and of other carbonaceous substances in oxygen gas; for which purpose it had been originally their intention to employ he sun’s rays, by means of a powerful lens; but, considering the uncertainty of a favourable opportunity in this country, they resolved to employ an apparatus consisting of two mercurial gas-holders, with a tube of platina interposed between them in a horizontal position, and passing through a small furnace, by which the tube and its contents might be heated to any degree requisite for the combustion of the substance employed.
Louis-Bernard Guyton de Morveau e a revolução química das Luzes