If a cylindrical coil of thin platina wire be placed, part of it round the cotton wick of a spirit lamp, and part of it above the wick, and the lamp be lighted, so as to heat the wire to redness; on the flame being blown out, the vapour of the alcohol will keep the upper part of the wire red hot, for any length of time, according to the supply of alcohol, and with little expenditure thereof; so as to be in constant readiness to kindle German fungus, or paper prepared with nitre, and, by this means, to light a sulphur match at pleasure. This lamp affords sufficient light to show the hour of the night by a watch, and to perform many other useful services; but does not hinder the repose of persons unaccustomed to keep a light burning in their bed-room, nor does it require to be snuffed.
The proper size of the platina wire is the 1/100th part of an inch: a larger one will only yield a dull, red light, and a smaller one is difficult to use. About 12 turns of the wire will be sufficient, coiled around any cylindrical body suited to the size of the wick of the lamp; and four or five coils should be placed on the wick, and the remainder of the wire above it; and which will be the part ignited. A wick, composed of twelve threads of the ordinary sized lamp cotton yarn, with the platina wire coiled around it, will require about half an ounce of alcohol to keep it alight for eight hours.
An agreeable and slightly acid smell arises from this lamp during its ignition. It is perfectly safe, as nothing can fall from it; and its novel appearance, in a wick's keeping red hot for such a length of time, is very surprising to persons unacquainted with its nature.
P.S.—When the wire has become oxided, it will be necessary to uncoil it, and rub it bright again with fine glass-paper; which will cause it to act again with increased effect.
REMARK.
Such wire as is here described may, probably, be obtained in Philadelphia.
FOOTNOTES:
[17] In using the word "pit," instead of "mine," I have accommodated my language to the custom of the country.
[18] Since the above article was written we have received some as large as a finger.
[19] The green earth of most mineralogists. Editor.