Warning: Atmosphere Could Burst into Flames
Originally published in August 1846
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
“It is well known that there is a constant emission of hydrogen from the decomposition of various substances; and that this gas, being buoyant, has a tendency to rise to the surface of the atmosphere. According to one view, there is therefore no doubt that immense quantities of this inflammable substance abound in the upper regions, and that a spark of electric fire would envelope the world in flames. The only circumstance preventing such conflagration is that the region of excitable electricity is several miles below that of the inflammable air.”
—Scientific American, August 1846
More gems from Scientific American’s first 175 years can be found on our anniversary archive page.
It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.
