The Gas-Consumer's Guide; A Hand-Book of Instruction on the Proper Management and Economical Use of Gas with a Full Description of Gas-Meters, and Directions for Ascertaining the Consumption by Meter on Ventilation, Etc (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1871 Excerpt: ...in large buildings, without having witnessed it. The apparatus is of the greatest simplicity and neatness; the light therefrom, on account of its position, surpasses all others, and, if the size and number of burners be properly considered, it is not expensive. A further recommendation is that it ventilates in an admirable manner the building where placed. An error often committed in fixing these lights is to place them too high up; indeed, in some cases, the tube is dispensed with, the reflector being attached to the ceiling. This increases materially the cost of gas, inasmuch as the light is diminished very sensibly, in proportion to the increased distance of the flames illuminating. Therefore they should always be placed as low as consistent with general appearance, taking care that the reflector does not cast a shade on the persons assembled in the galleries or upper part of building. The only objections that can be raised against this class of apparatus when properly arranged, are that the columns and galleries of buildings illuminated thereby cause shadows to be thrown, so that part of the building is in comparative obscurity. This, however, is counteracted by having a few lights fixed under the galleries, attached to the back of such columns, or wherever they may be desired. Goods in shop windows are also displayed to much greater advantage when the lights illuminating them are hidden from the eye; and nothing is simpler to arrange than this. Most classes of merchandise are exhibited under the best conditions when the light descends from above, there being provided suitable reflectors to throw.the light on the goods. There are so many examples of lighting dwellings, that the consumer may judge for himself of the most suitable plan according to his ta...