Chapter 590：

"So, you concluded that this so-called [phlogiston] is the key factor that causes changes in the properties of steel?"

Paul sat in his office, listening to the reports of the chemical researchers. Not far in front of him was an easel-like stand, on which were placed handmade ppts made of cardboard, and each cardboard introduced the researchers with pictures and texts. Our experimental process and data, after finishing one sheet, remove the upper cardboard to read the next one.

"Yes, Lord Graeman, phlogiston is exactly the key substance we are looking for. In order to prove its accuracy, we set all possible factors in iron and steel smelting as single variables and conduct controlled experiments one by one. The results of the experiments should be reliable."

Wells was talking to Paul, while behind him Tennyson Fadeyev observed the facial expression of Lord Paul Greiman with some anxiety. He keenly felt that Paul was slightly flickering. Disappointed?

Disappointed, why did the lord show such an expression?

Paul pointed to the cardboard they used for introduction, "But I think this so-called [phlogiston] is somewhat unreliable."

"Hoho! Master Graham, maybe I should give you a detailed introduction on phlogiston alone." Wells cleared his throat and began to introduce phlogiston to Paul.

"We believe that flame is a kind of entity, and the basic particle that makes up flame is phlogiston, but in fact, phlogiston is filled between heaven and earth, including the air around us. Plants can absorb phlogiston from the air, and animals can absorb phlogiston from the air. Phlogiston is obtained from plants, so animals and plants contain a large amount of phlogiston. All chemical changes related to combustion are due to the process of objects absorbing phlogiston and releasing phlogiston. For example, when wood is burned, phlogiston escapes, and then remains A heap of ashes. Charcoal, soot, and grease all come from plants, and plants absorb phlogiston in the air, so they are all substances rich in phlogiston.”

After introducing phlogiston, Wells made an extended explanation, "In this study, we conducted a calcination experiment on metals, and then produced metal ashes. We believe that metals contain more complex compounds than metal ashes. composition, which is phlogiston. If the metal ash is recombined with the phlogiston, it becomes metal again. If charcoal is burned with the metal ash, the metal ash can absorb the phlogiston of the charcoal, and the metal ash becomes metal again—this is The process and principle of metal smelting. Controlling the content of phlogiston in the metal - using charcoal, ink sticks and other substances with a large amount of phlogiston - can control the properties of the metal."

Paul turned to look at Radhi Setia beside him, "You are also a scholar, what do you think?"

Ratty nodded and said, "I think Master Wells' deduction is correct."

"Well, let me ask a little question. I believe that there is indeed a kind of [phlogiston] in the metal to control its properties, but this [phlogiston] is not the phlogiston in your mouth, or what you call the phlogiston. The description is wrong."

There was a slight smile on the corner of Paul's mouth, which made Wells feel bad, "You said it was wrong?"

I only listened to the lord's order: "Find me a piece of metal to weigh it now, then calcine it, and then weigh it after the metal ash is formed. If according to your deduction, the metal ash is formed by removing the metal and removing the phlogiston, So the weight should be lighter, not heavier, right?"

Wells nodded and said, "That's right, Lord Graman."

Paul winked at him. "Let's see."

His order was quickly executed, and the experiment started in Paul's office. However, the results surprised all the researchers. Instead of becoming lighter, the iron block that formed part of the metallic ash became heavier.

Paul clapped his hands and said with a smile: "It's a very intuitive phenomenon. It seems that your inference about phlogiston is wrong. Although you can't overturn the inference [phlogiston controls the properties of steel], it at least shows that at least after burning Finally, there is something more in the metal, not something missing. And based on the later mistakes, I also have reasons to doubt the correctness of the previous inference.”

The faces of Wells, Tennyson and other researchers were ashen.

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After continuing the discussion for two hours, the alchemists walked out of Paul's office somewhat dejectedly. Ladi Setia, who stayed behind, said to Paul, "Lord Graman, I have some suggestions."

Paul raised his eyebrows, "Oh? Let's hear it."

Ladi said: "Listening to their remarks just now, Master Wells and the others seem to be suffering from the inability of current technical means to achieve certain goals. For example, if alchemists want to separate simple substances from certain compounds, it seems that there is only one means now. — Burning. According to them, if a certain element cannot be separated, it means that the temperature has not yet reached. They originally wanted to separate the phlogiston directly from other substances, that is, to obtain the element of phlogiston, and then the element The combination of phlogiston with metals has been carefully researched, but it has not been successful-in their opinion, this is a failure caused by insufficient temperature. But if it is burned with fire, phlogiston will escape into the air-of course, according to your experiment just now , which may be wrong."

Ratti still followed the old tradition of calling chemical researchers alchemists.

Paul raised his head: "And then?"

Rudy said in a low voice: "I'm not discussing the right or wrong between you and Wells now. What I want to say is that I can use some means to increase the temperature without flames. Maybe I can help them."

Paul asked, "Using your...special ability?"

Radi nodded: "Yes." Radi's special ability is of course magic.

Paul waved his hand to her without the slightest hesitation, UU Reading "Oh, I am very grateful for your suggestion, but... no."

"Why not?" Ratti was very puzzled, and there was even a hint of shame in her doubts, her brows were already slightly frowned.

"Lord Graman, don't you also have the prejudice in the eyes of ordinary people about magic?"

Paul shook his head, "I don't have the slightest prejudice against magic. I think you and I have understood through the past few years. I don't think magic has anything to do with justice or evil. It's just a tool."

Radi continued to ask: "Then you are afraid that if it is leaked out, it will cause the church to blame you?"

"Aha!" Paul smiled, "Four years ago I might have been scared! But not now, I have a hundred reasons to stall their investigation."

Radi asked very puzzled: "Then what is the reason that you prevented me from using magic to participate in the research of alchemists? You also said just now that magic is just a tool. Since it is a tool, And it’s a tool that happens to be useful, so it should be used to its full potential.”