Ideas on the Affirmative Principle of Life and the Negative Principle of Death

All bodies in which carbon is dispersed—that is to say, in which it is not found in a unified state—are idioelectric original: "idioelektrisch." In early electrical theory, this referred to substances like glass or amber that are non-conductive but can be electrified by friction. The author suggests that "dispersed" carbon creates an insulator..

The action of light-acid original: "Lichtsäure." An archaic chemical concept from the era of "vital air" and "phlogiston," where light was thought to act as a physical acidifying principle that could combine with other elements. upon carbon produces electricity.

The amalgam original: "Amalgama." A mixture of mercury with another metal, often used to coat the friction pads of electrostatic generators. made from mercury, which is found to be useful in electrical experiments, is proof of this; for mercury can be dissolved in light-acid. I have experienced this firsthand through my own trials.

Woods that are charred become electrical conductors, just like metals, as soon as the carbon within them is more unified.

The difference between metals and other bodies consists only in this unified carbon.

Carbon unified by fatty-acid original: "Fettsäure." In this historical context, this refers to a chemical principle associated with oiliness and combustibility, rather than modern fatty acids. is the principle that causes opacity original: "Opazität."; just as unified light-matter original: "Lichtstoff." The material substance of light. is the principle that causes transparency original: "Diaphanität.".