62 Surface Combustion [Feb. 27, 



obvious that not only is such a boiler highly responsive to rapid 

 variations in the load, but also it works with equal efficiency at both 

 small and big loads ; indeed, within very wide limits, its efficiency is 

 practically independent of the load. 



I have endeavoured, within the hom% to trace the history of an 

 idea from its inception in the laboratory through its experimental 

 stages right up to its successful technical applications. Modern 

 chemistry originated in the primeval instinct of " fire-worship," and 

 even a century after Davy's work, the science of combustion is not yet 

 a completed record. On the theoretical side, there are still obscure 

 points concerning the mechanism of " surface combustion " for future 

 investigation, and it will probably take many years to realize the 

 wide range of industrial possibilities in gas-firing already opened up, 

 not to speak of the equally important problem of " oil-firing." The 

 number of applications of " surface combustion " which have been 

 pressed upon our attention from without is positively embarrassing, 

 and the task of fulfilhng all expectations in the near future is indeed 

 formidable. I hope, however, I have succeeded in convincing you 

 that a sound foundation has been laid, upon which may be reared 

 an enduring edifice. 



[W.A.B.] 



