Section 58
No. 58. A Vessel from which a Flow of Wine can be
stopped, by pouring into it a small Measure of Water.
IF there be a vessel full of wine and provided with a running spout, when
a cyathus, or small measure, of water is poured upon the neck of the
vessel, the discharge of wine shall cease, but, if a second measure of
water poured on, this last shall flow out with the former, or the two
measures of water shall flow out through two different spouts; and,
after all the water is drawn off, the wine shall flow again from the
centre spout: moreover, this shall happen as often as any liquid is
poured on and flows out. Let A B (fig. 58), be a vessel with a spout,
C, at the bottom, and closed at the neck by the partition D E from which
extends a tube, F G, encircled by another tube which is sufficiently
removed from the partition to allow of the passage of water, as in the
case of the inclosed diabetes. Through the partition insert another
tube, H K, projecting to a less height above the partition than the
former tube, and branching off below
into two spouts L and M ; and let this tube also be encircled by
another tube distant a small space from the partition: furthermore let
the vessel have a vent N just under the partition. Now, if, after
closing the spouts, we pour in the wine, it will pass into the body of
the vessel through the tube F G, for the air will escape through the
vent N: but when we close the vent and set the spouts free, the liquid
intercepted in the tube H K will flow through L and M, and that
contained in the vessel through C. If, however, while C is still
running, we pour a small measure of water upon the partition, the air
will no longer be able to enter through F G, and the discharge through C
will cease: but if a second measure is poured on, the water will rise
above the tube H K, and be carried through into the spouts L and M, the
whole being drawn up; and then, the tube F G being opened to the air
will enable the spout C to flow as before. This result will take place
as often as we pour on the measures of water.
Section 59.
Index.