The State of the Weather in this Island is so extremely variable and uncertain, that the Inhabitants are obliged to keep Fires to sit by near Eight Months in the Year.
And ever since the Duty laid upon Coals, the Article of Fire has been so very expensive in many Parts of the Kingdom, particularly in this Metropolis, that it is to be hoped, any Attempt to make our Rooms more warm and comfortable, and that at a much less Expence than usual; always free from Smoke, and equally chearful as with the common Fires; will meet with the Favour of the Publick.
These are some of the Advantages proposed by a new-invented Stove-Grate, the Description and Uses whereof are contained in the following Sheets.
And surely, if ever any Invention, discovered by a Mechanick, deserved the Attention of the Publick, this may justly lay claim to it; since not only every Family, but every Individual, is in some degree interested in it; and more especially as it is not offered as uncertain Theory, but its Uses and Advantages, over all others, have been confirmed by Trial and Experience: For one of the smallest Size of these Stove-Grates has been set up, ever since the beginning of last Winter, in a common Room at the Inventor’s House, where several curious and ingenious Persons have been to see and observe the Effects of it; and it has appeared to the Satisfaction of the best Judges, that this same Room, built of common Quartering, and covered with Laths and Plaister,
| Feet. | Inches. | ||||
| Long | 26 | : | 6 | : | 0 |
| Broad | 13 | : | 0 | : | 0 |
| High | 10 | : | 6 | : | 0 |
with a Pair of large folding Doors at one End, and a Door opening to the Stair Case at the other End, in which four or five Pecks of Coals had usually been consumed every Day in a common Grate and Chimney, has been kept warm, ever since the New Stove was erected, with no greater Quantity than one Peck of Coals a Day; and with this singular Advantage, that the Warmth is diffused, more regularly and uniformly, over the whole Room, than it was before.
Those who will take the Trouble of calling, will be able to form a more distinct Idea of the Construction and Use of this Machine, than can be conveyed by Writing: But as many People have neither the Curiosity or Opportunity for occular Inspection, I shall give a particular Description of it, as well as of all the other Machines, that have been contrived for the like Purposes; and it will appear, by a fair and impartial Comparison, that this is attended with greater Advantages, and fewer Inconveniences, than any that has ever yet been offered to the Publick.
But, for the better understanding of what follows, it will be necessary to explain some of the Properties of Air and Fire.
The chief Properties of Air, are Fluidity, Gravity, and Elasticity.