Grove's gas battery consists of tubes containing oxygen and hydrogen alternately, and having a thin piece of platinum foil, p, inserted by the blowpipe in each glass tube. The foil hangs down the full length of the interior of the glass. Each pair of tubes is contained in a little glass tumbler containing some dilute sulphuric acid, and the hydrogen tube, h, of one pair, is connected with the oxygen tube, o, of the next. w w. The terminal wires of the series.
The analysis of water is shown very perfectly on the screen by fitting up some very small tubes and platinum wires in the same manner as shown in fig. 125. The vessel in which the tubes and wires are contained with the dilute sulphuric acid must be small, and arranged so as to pass nicely into the space usually filled by the picture in an ordinary magic lantern, or, still better, in one lighted by the oxy-hydrogen or lime light. If the dilute acid is coloured with a little solution of indigo, the gradual displacement of the fluid by the production of the two gases is very perfectly developed on the screen when the small voltaic battery is attached to the apparatus; and of course a large number of persons may watch the experiment at the same time.
With respect to the application of the light produced from a jet of the mixed gases thrown upon a ball of lime, it may be stated that for many years the dissolving view lanterns and other optical effects have been produced with the assistance of this light; and more lately Major Fitzmaurice has condensed the mixed gases in the old-fashioned oil gas receivers, and projected them on a ball of lime; and it was this light thrown from many similar arrangements that illuminated the British men-of-war when Napoleon III. left her Majesty's yacht at night in the docks at Cherbourg.
Fig. 127.
Cherbourg.
Mr. Sykes Ward, of Leeds, has also proposed a most simple and excellent application of the oxy-hydrogen light for illumination under the surface of water, and for the convenience of divers, who are frequently obliged to cease their operations in consequence of the want of light. Mr. Ward's submarine lamp consists of a series of very strong copper tubes, which are filled with the mixed gases by means of a force-pump; and in order to prevent the lamp being extinguished, it burns under double glass shades, which are desirable in order to prevent the glass immediately next to the light cracking by contact with the cold water.
Fig. 128.
a a. Tube reservoir to hold the mixed gases. b. The jet and lime ball. d. The first glass shade, held down by a cap and screw. c. The second glass shade. e e. The handle by which it is lowered into the water.