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spontaneous combustion

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spontaneous combustion

Burning that is not initiated by the direct application of an external source of heat. A number of materials and chemicals, such as hay and sodium chlorate, can react with their surroundings, usually by oxidation, to produce so much internal heat that combustion results.

Special precautions must be taken for the storage and handling of substances that react violently with moisture or air. For example, phosphorus ignites spontaneously in the presence of air and must therefore be stored under water; sodium and potassium are stored under kerosene in order to prevent their being exposed to moisture.



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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
The possibility of what is called spontaneous combustion has been denied since the death of Mr.
Bleak House by Dickens, Charles View in context
All this time, he lay upon his bed, the very core and centre of a blaze of ruddy light, which streamed upon it when the clock proclaimed the hour; and which, being only light, was more alarming than a dozen ghosts, as he was powerless to make out what it meant, or would be at; and was sometimes apprehensive that he might be at that very moment an interesting case of spontaneous combustion, without having the consolation of knowing it.
A Christmas Carol by Dickens, Charles View in context
All in that region was fire and commotion; the soup and fish were in the last stage of projection, and the cook hung over her crucibles in a frame of mind and body threatening spontaneous combustion.
Jane Eyre by Bronte, Charlotte View in context
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