226 ANNUAL OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY. 



periments. This nickel contained traces of silicon and copper. Fused cobalt 

 is as ductile as nickel, and still more tenacious. According to Wortheim, its 

 tenacity is to that of iron as 115 to 60, or nearly double. The most refractory 

 body which the author fused was silica, which, however, in quantities of 30 

 grammes was not perfectly liquified. The author considers the fusion of this 

 body as the limit beyond which processes do not go. Ann. de Chimie et 

 de Physique, xlvi. 182, 1856. 



GAS IX DWELLING HOUSES. ITS USES, CONVENIENCES, AND 



ECONOMY. 



We give below the principal points and statements of a miniature pam- 

 phlet recently published in London, on the " Uses, Conveniences, and Economy 

 of Gas in Dwelling Houses," by Mr. Rutter, F.R.A.S. Of this little volume, 

 over thirty thousand copies have been disposed of, and its practical sug- 

 gestions wih 1 , we think, commend themselves to every intelligent reader : 



Gas is superior to every other material as a light-giving agent, not only on 

 account of the brilliancy of its effects, and its cheapness, but because it is 

 safer, e-conomizes' time and labor, and is more easily managed. Always in 

 their places, the lighting and putting out of gas lights is the work only of an 

 instant. No sparks or impurities are blown, or otherwise scattered about ; 

 and, consequently, there is no risk of damaging, or setting fire to clothes or 

 furniture, as so often happens with lamps and candles. The time usually 

 occupied in cleaning candlesticks and trimming lamps is no trifling matter ; to 

 say nothing of the dirt., the disagreeable odors, and the waste, consequent 

 thereon. 



The management of gas is perfectly simple and easy. All that is really 

 necessary to be known about turning it on, and adjusting the supply, and 

 turning it off, to insure perfect safety, might be acquired, by practice, in a few 

 minutes. The most ordinary degree of care and observation are sufficient to 

 guard against an escape of gas. When that happens, whether by mistake, 

 neglect, or defect in the pipes or fittings, it is easily remedied. The odor of 

 gas is so unlike every other, constituting one of its most valuable proper- 

 ties, that it can thereby be instantly detected, traced to its source, and imme- 

 diately prevented. Let it not be supposed that the odor of gas in a house 

 is a common occurrence. Such a case is exceptive, and is as unnecessary as 

 that drains, or sewers, or cesspools, should be choked, or overflowing, or 

 left uncovered. When an escape of gas is suspected or known to exist, open 

 the door and window of the room, and search for it immediately but not 

 with a lighted candle and the cause will soon be discovered. 



It must be conceded that in a house well lighted with gas, there are com- 

 forts and means of enjoyment which are unknown where, from necessity or 

 preference, candles or lamps are still in use. The advantages of a good light 

 in all parts of a house, from the cellar to the attics, as contrasted with an 

 indifferent or a positively bad one, are not likely to'be denied. By a good light 

 is intended just so much as is necessary a moderate, but not an excessive 

 quantity sufficient for all practical purposes, but no waste. In lighting 

 private apartments this is a condition of the utmost importance. In shops 



