124 Experiments of Candle Wicks, fyc. 



in each. In another experiment I allowed both Candles to 

 burn without snuffing them, till the Wick attained the length 

 of an inch, in which state the consumption of Tallow is not 

 much different to that which takes place when they are kept 

 of a moderate length. The result I obtained was as follows : 



inches. 



Wax Candle as before, ....... -18 



Tallow with two Wicks, each containing 8 threads,' 

 when kept snuffed, --------- 21 J 



allowing it to remain unsnuffed, - - - - - 19| 



Common tallow Candle with one Wick, containing 

 20 threads, when kept snuffed, ----- 15 

 allowing it to remain unsnuffed, ----- 7 h 



As these observations shew that a Candle with two Wicks 

 gives a light nearly equal to that of a Wax Candle, I shall 

 endeavour to point out some of those circumstances which 

 require attention in attempting to make it available for useful 

 purposes. When each thread is not twisted separately, but the 

 different threads are twisted together, each Wick in burning 

 constantly changes its position, as occurs frequently in a 

 Spermaceti or Wax Candle, where the end of the Wick points 

 sometimes in one direction, sometimes in another, therefore 

 the two Wicks at one time recede from and at another 

 approach towards each other, or bend on different sides 

 laterally ; but when each thread is twisted separately and the 

 whole are then twisted together, strength is given to the 

 Wick, and it remains more steadily in one position. 



A certain number of threads is necessary for giving that 

 strength which is required to keep the Wick from bending. 

 Though a sufficient degree of light may be obtained from two 

 Wicks, each consisting of six or even three or four threads, 

 such Wicks becoming during the combustion soaked with 

 melted Tallow, and the top becoming loaded with a deposit of 

 Carbon soon bend, and the rays of Caloric being directed too 

 much upon the Candle melt the Tallow too fast, causing it to 

 waste. The Wick therefore requires not less than 8 threads, 

 the strength of which is sufficient to keep it upright till it 

 reach the required length, when it bends and the extremity is 

 gradually burnt ofi 



The extremity of the Wick of a common Tallow Candle in 

 burning, continues in the centre of the flame beyond the 

 proper time, and receives such a deposit of Carbon as to 

 increase its size greatly, and hence the light becomes di- 

 minished at least one-half. This has been obviated in some 

 measure by placing the Candle in a position inclining from 



• The Cotton which 1 used was that sold in the shops for making- the best 

 mould Tallow Candles; 8 threads form a Wick about the thickness of that 

 of a conini'fit Wax Candle 



