Читать книгу Description of the Process of Manufacturing Coal Gas. For the Lighting of Streets Houses, and Public Buildings онлайн

39 страница из 52

The whole difference between the gigantic process of the gas light operation, and the miniature operation of a candle or lamp, consists in having the distillatory apparatus at the gas-light manufactory, instead of being in the wick of a candle or lamp. In having the crude inflammable matter decomposed previous to the elastic fluid being wanted, and stored up for use, instead of being prepared and consumed as fast as it proceeds from the decomposed oil, wax or tallow; and lastly, in transmitting the gas to any required distance, and igniting it at the burner or lamp of the conducting tube, instead of burning it at the apex of the wick. The principle of the gas-light manufacture is therefore rational, and justifiable by the general mode in which all light is produced.

It only remains to be observed that while the new and important use to which pitcoal may thus be applied, affords a strong confirmation of what has been well observed, that of all subterraneous combustible substances, coal is in this country by far the most important natural production.ssss1 “It is connected not only with the necessities, comforts and enjoyments of life, but also with the extension of our most important arts, our manufactures, commerce and national riches.