Figure 2, is an argand burner, with every other hole plugged, attached to a heavy brass foot, and with an arm and stopcock, to which a long flexible tube is attached, the other end of which is connected to a pendant above the table. This burner is well adapted for use on any part of the table, and may be used with an ordinary retort {298} stand, or with a sheet iron cylinder, for supporting vessels over the flame. It has all the conveniences without the disadvantages of a Berzelius’ Lamp, as it requires no wicks or replenishing, and cannot take fire; and the stopcock is not liable to get out of order, as is the case with the rack and pinion of the alcoholic lamp.
Fig. 3.
Figure 3, is a large burner, six inches in diameter, with the holes placed far enough apart to form distinct jets of the burning gas, by which means smoke is entirely prevented without the use of any chimney. This burner, like the preceding, is attached to a heavy brass foot, and with an arm and stopcock, to which a long flexible tube is attached, by means of which it can be moved to any part of the table.
Fig. 4.
This burner is provided with a large sheet iron cylinder, (figure 4) with air holes at the top and bottom, a slit at the side, to go over the arm of the burner, and a door in front for convenience in lighting the gas, and thus forms a powerful and convenient gas furnace, by means of which a gallon of water can be easily boiled. With this arrangement the confined heat is so great, that it is necessary to protect the table from burning, by means of sheet iron, or other suitable material.
In point of economy, coal gas is cheaper than alcohol for fuel, even in America where the latter is so cheap, and the price of gas is comparatively high; and, it is to be hoped, that the price of the latter will be reduced, so that coal gas may yet be used with economy, as a source of heat for domestic as well as for chemical and pharmaceutical purposes. The present price should be no detriment to its free use, as it is, {299} undoubtedly, the most cleanly and convenient fuel which can be used in the laboratory; and, as such, I would strongly recommend it to those, for whom the above description has been prepared.