1851.] OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTION. 23 
wicks an instrument takes hold simultaneously of all the wicks and 
retains them correctly in position in the several moulds. 
About thirty years ago a celebrated French chemist (Chevreul), 
when investigating the properties of fatty matters, discovered that 
they consisted of certain acids; and many efforts were made to 
introduce one of the acids (Stearic acid) into the manufacture of 
candles, but with little if any practical effect, owing to its highly 
crystallizing properties. In order to correct this properly, recourse 
was had to the use of Arsenic, which was found to break up the 
crystals ; and candles were extensively made and consumed, rivalling 
Spermaceti in appearance, whilst they were sold at a much less 
price. But public attention having been called to the injurious 
effects produced by the vapours of arsenic thrown off by such 
candles, this greatly increasing manufacture met with a severe 
check; and if the manufacturer had not discovered a means of 
employing stearic acid without arsenic in the manufacture of candles 
the public would probably have ceased to purchase them. This 
probably is one of the most interesting events in the history of the 
manufacture. On investigation it was discovered that the cause of 
the crystalline character found to prevail in stearic acid candles is 
consequent on the pouring very hot melted stearic acid into cold 
moulds; and it was found that by pouring the matter when nearly 
set into moulds warmed to about the same temperature as the 
candle-stuff, and by using a small quantity of wax, candles of stearic 
acid can be made possessing very excellent properties. Hence this 
class of candles has of late years very largely prevailed, which, being 
made with suitable platted wicks, like spermaceti candles, do not 
require to be snuffed. 
Another class of candles which came largely into use about the 
same time was produced from the Stearine of Cocoa-nut oil; but this 
candle required snuffing. A great step of improvement in the manu- 
facture of candles resulted from combining these two matters, viz. 
stearic acid of tallow with stearine of the cocoa-nut. It is found 
that stearic acid of tallow burns with a somewhat red flame and is 
liable to smoke ; it contains too large a quantity of carbon: whilst 
the stearine of cocoa-nut oil contains too much hydrogen, and burns 
with a white flame. The effect of combining these two matters was 
to obtain a better flame than either, when used separately. The 
product is cheaper, and will also admit of the use of platted wicks ; 
and the tendency of the stearic acid to crystallize is corrected 
by the employment of the stearine of the cocoa-nut. These candles 
are known by the name of “ composite,” and have been sold in 
immense quantities. 
Mr. Carpmael next called attention to the modern introduction 
of Palm-oil in the manufacture of candles, the properties of which 
are peculiarly suited tocandle-making. The stearine of it, even in its 
crude state makes excellent “‘ dip” candles when the quality of the 
light only is considered ; but they are of a bad colour: the palm 
