The Submerged Candle

Horowhenua Chronicle, 17 June 1915, Page 4

The Submerged Candle

Although it scorns improbable, a lighted candle can he kept burning when almost completely .submerged in water. The fact was discovered vory long ago | by Archimedes, and douhtless tlie boys j of ancient Greece amused thenifio'ves with the cxperiuicutj which is extremely simple to arrange. The candle used may be of any size, although a very fat coach-candle, which will "make a larger liame aud continue longer burning is best. Use a fairly large glass of water, and conduct the experiment earel'ully and only under the supervision of a grown person. Kirst, tho candle iiiust be weighted so that is will float with the top just flush with the surface ol the water. You will be em-prised to find how little weight i.s required—a small piece ot metal stuck into tho bottom of it will answer. If it is not large, a nail, or two or three large pins, will bo enough. Bo careful to have the weight so placed 1 that the candlo will float in an exactly upright position. When is is adjusted, light the wick carefully.* It has probably become wet in the meantime, and will flicker at first, but once lighted it •will burn freely and steadily, despite its unusual position. Be careful, however, not to disturb the water, but to keep it absolutely at rest, since a slight wave-motion will caiise the melted wax to spread out. The extraordinary thing about the experiment is, of course, that the candle should continue to burn. As it is gradually consumed, however, its weight is diminished, causing it to rise slowly. Its upward movement balances this loss of weight .so that the flame will remain at exactly the same position above the water. Tf it were not so. of course,the flame would bo put out by the rising of the water.. R is fascinating to watch this curious automatic aljustment It tlfese cfirectious be carefully followed, tho candle will hum quietly on the very edge of the water until it is completely consumed, without spilling a drop of ,wax.