The writer firmly believes in the good that exists in all methods that are, or are to be; in the interdependence rather than the independence of all methods; and in all school-room appliances tending to supplement or expedite the labors of the teacher, whether they are made of materials delved from the earth or snatched from the clouds.
S. TEFFT WALKER,
Superintendent of the Kansas Institution, Olathe, Kans.
WATER GAS.
THE RELATIVE VALUE OF WATER GAS AND OTHER GASES AS IRON REDUCING AGENTS.
By B.H. THWAITE.
In order to approximately ascertain the relative reducing action of water gas, carbon monoxide, and superheated steam on iron ore, the author decided to have carried out the following experiments, which were conducted by Mr. Carl J. Sandahl, of Stockholm, who also carried out the analyses. The ore used was from Bilbao, and known as the Ruby Mine, and was a good average hematite. The carbonaceous material was the Trimsaran South Wales anthracite, and contained about 90 per cent. of carbon.
A small experimental furnace was constructed of the form shown by illustration, about 4 ft. 6 in. high and 2 ft. 3 in. wide at the base, and gradually swelling to 2 ft. 9 in. at the top, built entirely of fireclay bricks. Two refractory tubes, 2 in. square internally, and the height of the furnace, were used for the double purpose of producing the gas and reducing the ore.