Fig. 378.—Condenser. Purifier. Gasometer.

Fig. 379.—Gasometer.

It has been calculated that one ton of good coal produces the following:—

1Chaldron of cokeweighing1,494 lbs.
12Gallons of tar135 lbs.
12Gallons of ammoniacal liquor100 lbs.
5,900Cubic feet of gas291 lbs.
Loss (water)220 lbs.
Total2,240 lbs.

Fig. 380.—Gasometer.

We can thus estimate the profits of our gas companies at leisure. The analysis of gas made by Professor Bunsen is as under, in 100 parts.

Hydrogen45·58
Marsh gas34·90
Carbonic oxide6·64
Olefiant gas4·08
Butyline2·38
Sulphide of hydrogen0·29
Nitrogen2·46
Carbonic acid3·67
100·00

Gas, therefore, is very injurious, for it rapidly vitiates the atmosphere it burns in, and is very trying to the eyes, as well as destructive to gilt ornaments.