[Antedating] of "Cold Fusion"

[Mullins, Bill]

>
> cold fusion (OED 1982)
>
> [1759 _Philosophical Transactions_ 51: 294 (JSTOR)  I have
> been more particular in the examination of some of the
> foregoing facts, as they seem to contradict an opinion
> generally received, that the solution of metals by lightning
> is effected by a kind of cold fusion.]
>
> Fred Shapiro

I believe this sense of "fusion" is akin to welding; i.e., a physical
process.  The more common sense of "cold fusion" (as seen in Fred's
immediately preceding ADS-L post) is a nuclear process, and should be
considered separately from this one.