THE LAMP.
While occupied in rendering popular, if we may so speak, the use of the blowpipe—an instrument which is so advantageous in a great number of circumstances—we have also endeavoured to improve the lamp, which has, until the present time, been used by all those who employ the glass-blower’s table. The lamp which we recommend ([pl. 1], fig. 23) is of a very simple construction. It possesses the advantages of giving much less smoke than the old lamp, and of being cleaned with the greatest facility. It also gives sensibly more heat; because the portion of flame which, in the common lamps, rises perpendicularly, and is not used, is, in this case, beaten down by a cap or hood, and made to contribute to the force of the jet. This cap also keeps the flame from injuring the eyes of the operator, and destroys the smoke to such an extent, that the large hoods with which glass-blowers commonly garnish their work table, to carry off the smoke, become unnecessary. This is a peculiar advantage in the chamber of a student, where a large hood or chimney can seldom be conveniently prepared.