From the WP article on phosphorus, "history and discovery" section.

The secret that it was made from urine leaked out...

In other news about phosphorus, cool things are happening with its element group.

Nice verbal choice. It reminds me of those short "humorous" sentences that would use an adjective connected to the subject - "I have to go run now", Johnny said hastily. Real groaners or just bad, and I think they are from a long time ago. I have to look it up.


Also: 'Krafft gave him no information as to the preparation of phosphorus other than that it was derived from "somewhat that belonged to the body of man".'


Don't pee on me and call it phosphorus!

"Take the stupid prisoner down to the dungeon," he said condecendingly.

"I've said this wrong three times already," he said forthrightly.

I've always heard these called "Tom Swifties (T-H-L-K-D)" ... YMMV.

Yes! That's it! It was driving me nuts.

You mean he kept misspelling condescendingly?

Those are what used to be called "Tom Swiftys," like, "'Who stole my movie camera,' he bellowed and howled."

edit: oh -- I see someone already mentioned this.

A pirate walks into a bar, and he's got a steering wheel sticking out of his pants. The bartender sees him and asks, "Hey, what's that steering wheel doing there?" The pirate says, "Aaarrrr, it's driving me nuts."