Priestiey Bicentennial-West
Coast Style
In keeping with the commemoration of the discovery of oxygen by Joseph Priestley on August 1, 1774, some 40 guests gathered in our backyard on August 1, 1974 to witness re-enactments of several Priestley experiments on "dephlogisticated gas." Oxygen was prepared by heating mercurius calcinatus per se with a burning glass a la Priestley (solar heat in Oregon when available is quite adequate for this purpose). The gas was successfully tested with a burning candle, but in deference to those concerned about mercury toxicity other experiments such as tests on mice and humans were performed with modem bottled gas. Also, decorative balloons containing "dephlogisticated gas" were filled with bottled hydrogen. At the conclusion of the affair, the ballons were cut loose for a massive ascension, a hydrogen-oxygen cannon was fired, and the crowd, particularly the non-chemists, w& delighted. Part of the enthusiasm no doubt arose from freely imbibing Priestley Punch which was derived from a recipe called "Artillery Punch." Guests were awarded memberships in the Phlogiston Society, and one of them upon departing succeeded in demolishing a stone wall without damage to his car.
W.H. andL. B. Slabaugh OregonState Uniuersity, Coruallis 97331
10
/ Journal of Chemical Education
