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Protection of Persons from Fire: 9% 
tacks of heat and conflagration, we now present our readers with an 
analysis of the work and a description of the apparatus,* 
This task affords us the more pleasure from the personal acquaint- 
ance which we enjoyed with the benevolent author, whose useful la- 
bors in another fertile field of discovery have been long known and 
appreciated by men of science ; and who now, at the venerable age 
of seventy two, is actively engaged in the applications of science to 
objects of humanity. 
From a brief notice of the inventions of the Chevalier Aldini, in 
a preceding number of the Journal,} our readers are aware that the 
preservation from flame, which has been the object of his pursuit, 
Was sought for through the medium of a covering of wire gauze and 
asbestine cloth, alternately placed over those parts of the body which 
are exposed to the most intense action of the heat. In his introduc 
tion, the author justly intimates that notwithstanding the efforts which 
men haye hitherto made in rendering assistance to the helpless in 
cases of conflagration, the great number of victims, among those who 
8enerously devote themselves to the relief of the sufferers, furnishes 
the strongest evidence of the necessity of some further means of al- 
leviation and security. 
“The celebrated Peter Franck, in his Treatise on medical police, 
Complains that in cases of conflagration, governments have not suffi- 
ciently borne in mind that human life ought to be the. first object of 
their solicitude. Firemen, says he, ought to be supplied with a cov- 
*ring at once light and thick, enveloping the body as completely as 
Possible, so as to enable them to resist the action of the fire. Great- 
er benefits might also be expected, if noble encouragements were 
ted to every one who should brave danger and save the life of a 
human being.” 
“The spirit of speculation has given rise to insurance companies 
48ainst loss by fire. ‘Fhese have doubtless done much good, but 
they afford no guaranty against the loss of life. What compensation 
'S It to the owner of a house, to be assured that his mansion will be 
BSc ne, ee eer ee 
Cessary for a full edition was ordered from Paris in July, but as no intelligence of 
them is received after waiting six or eight months, we have had the prints lithow 
Boston ; this statement wil! account for the delay —Editor. 
“+ Vide Am. Jour. Vol. XVIM, p. 177. 
1%. XX.~—No, 1, 13 
