Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Ancient Authorities, Geology, Chemistry, Transport, Technology

    Observes that 'it has been represented as a wonder, that Hannibal had (to use the expression of some authors) dissovled the Alps with vinegar'. Suggests that this 'wonder' can be 'reduced to a very simple process'. Relates that, after an avalanche, 'Hannibal had a great fire kindled around the rock; and that when it was heated he had a great quantity of vinegar poured upon it, which insinuating itself into the veins of the rock (opened by the heat and calcined), softened it, and faciliated the means of breaking it easily'. Reports that the road leading from Foix to Devernajon was more recently built by the same process.