Black and white illustration depicting an evening marsh scene. The illustration demonstrates the natural occurrence of phosphoric compounds which become luminous in the presence of atmospheric gases. The illustration accompanies text describing non-metallic elements and their common uses or occurrences.

This plate is from the publication, Wonders of Electricity and the Elements, an educational volume covering a variety of topics related to electricity and the chemical elements in two parts. The first half of the volume is devoted to electrical and magnetic discoveries and modern electric machines, including the telegraph, while the second half explores the elements through the categories of metals, bases, salts, and acids. The volume is profusely illustrated throughout, including many illustrations depicting a range of scientific experiments and electrical machinery. An extensive listing of other Ward, Lock & Co. publications completes the volume.