XV. Further researches on the preservation of metals by electro­chemical means

Abstract

In two papers read before the Royal Society, I have described the effects of small quantities of electro-positive metals in preventing the corrosion or chemical changes of copper exposed to sea water, and I have stated that the results appear to be of the same kind, whether the experiments are made upon a minute scale, and in confined portions of water, or on large masses, and in the ocean. The first and preliminary experiments proved, that the copper sheeting of ships might be preserved by this method; but another and a no less important circumstance was to be attended to, how far the cleanness of the bottom, or its freedom from the adhesion of weeds or shell fish, would be influenced by this preservation.