Securities against Fire, fyc. 287 



lanthropic man, whose mind was ever meditating upon what might 

 be useful to others, had the design of writing, when at leisure, a me- 

 moir on these subjects at large; but nothing of this kind appears to 

 have been left behind him, 



2. The second article selected for notice in the present supple- 

 ment, is the Chevalier Aiding s publication respecting "the art of 'pre- 

 serving from fire: [that is, as] applied to firemen and persons expo- 

 sed to fire ; with a series of experiments in Italy, Germany, and 

 France." Prof. Giiscom, having ably and clearly analyzed this 

 work,* 1 shall select from his account of it, a few particulars be- 

 longing to my present subject; since they regard the security of 

 those professionally employed in extinguishing the flames in burning 

 buildings. 



These particulars areas follows. — The bodies of persons exposed 

 to the action of fire, are directed to be covered with dresses formed 

 out of Amianthus, or with Sir Humphry Davy's metallic gauze ; and 

 their hands also are to be protected by suitable gloves. The parties 

 when they move among flaming materials, are likewise to carry be- 

 fore them, metallic gauze shields; and to be provided with pincers and 

 other suitable implements, to perform such work as the case may re- 

 quire. They are moreover directed, when surrounded by flames, 

 to keep themselves as much as may be in a state of motion ; and are 

 particularly cautioned not to remain long in a body of compact smoke. 



The methods prescribed in the Chevalier Aldini's book, are not 

 denied to be susceptible of farther improvement ; but enough has 

 been established to make the art, even in its present state, appear 

 valuable as to practice. The experiments of several persons of high 

 estimation, as Messrs. Gay-Lussae and D'Arcet, are among those ci- 

 ted to support its credit ; besides the patronage of several govern- 

 ments, and besides other distinctions which were profitable as well 

 as honorable. — One particular is added of moment, in favor of the 

 plan, as regards expense; namely, that wool maybe so prepar- 

 ed, as to become in " ordinary" cases, a substitute for amianthus in 

 applying this art to use. In short, enough is said, to make it appear 

 of consequence, not only to import into the U. States, the necessary 

 dresses, &c. which belong to this art ; but also to engage persons 

 well acquainted with what belongs to this subject, to visit the U. 





See Vol. xx, No. 1, of this Journal, p. 96 



