1822,] Mr. Smithson on Improvements in Lamps. 363 
ARTICLE X. 
Some Improvements of Lamps. By James Smithson, Esq. FRS, 
(To the Editor of the Annals of Philosophy.) 
SIR, 
Iris, I think, to be regretted, that those who cultivate science 
frequently withhold improvements in their apparatus and pro- 
cesses, from which they themselves derive advantage, owing to 
their not deeming them of sufficient magnitude for publication. 
When the sole view is to further a pursuit of whose import- 
ance to mankind a conviction exists, all that can do soshould be 
imparted, however small may appear the merit which attaches 
to it. 
Of the Wicks of Lamps.—The great length of wick commonly 
put to lamps for the purpose of supplying the part which combus- 
tion destroys, is, on several accounts, extremely inconvenient. 
Tt occupies much space in the vessel, and requires an enlarge- 
ment of its capacity; it is frequently the occasion of much dirt, 
&c, This great length of wick is totally unnecessary. 
Fig. 2. Fig. 3. Fig. 4, 
i ‘ i, 
ii GT Yo hay 
: 
It is advantageously supplied by a tube containing a bit of 
cotton wick about its own length, or some cotton wool, fig. 1, 
and at the end of which is placed a stout bit of wick or cotton 
wool, fig. 2. 
This loose end receives a supply of oil from the cotton under 
it with which it is put into contact, and when it becomes burned, 
it is easily renewed. 
A loose ring of wick may in like manner be applied to the 
argand lamp. ‘This removes the necessity of the long tube into 
which the wicks, now used, descend, and thus greatly contracts 
this lamp in height. 
Of Wax Lamps.—Oil is a disagreeable combustible for small 
experimental purposes, and more especially when lamps are to 
be carried in travelling. I have, therefore, substituted wax for it. 
I experienced, however, at first, some difficulty in accomplishing 
my object. 
The wicks of my lamps are a single cotton thread, waxed by 
