PROCEEDINGS OF THE POLYTECHNIC ASSOCIATION. 519 



coiirsG the boiler and fireplace must be adapted to it. The main 

 point is to supply sufficient oxygen to burn up the carbon that is 

 so freely liberated. 



Dr. Stevens. — I do not see why the use of coal oil may not be 

 successful. Wherever there is a large amount of heat stored up, 

 I think it is within the range of possibilities for the human mind 

 to discover some method of using it. "Wo know that it took 

 twenty-five years to learn how to burn anthracite coal. There 

 is no danger from carrying the oil to sea in barrels. It is as 

 safe as gunpowder, and safer than soft Cumberland coal, or any 

 coal containing a sufficient amount of sulphur for spontaneous 

 combustion. Petroleum has no liability to spontaneous com. 

 bustion. It is about as dangerous as gmipowder if your vessel 

 takes fire, but it will not take fire of itself. 



The Chairman said there was danger of its coming in contact 

 with fire on board the vessel. 



Mr. Reed stated that he had been trying a method of desul- 

 phurizing coal, which would remove the objection of its sponta- 

 neous combustion. The process is very simple and inexpensive, 

 and had proved very successful. 



Prof. Seely referred to a former discussion, in which he had 

 stated the details of his computation of the relative value of coal 

 and of coal oil for producing heat. 



JVew subject. — The subject of "Organic Chemistry " was selected 

 for consideration at th'e next meeting. 

 Adjourned. 



American Institute, Polytechnic Association, 



February 27, 18G2. 

 Mr. R. L. Pell in the chair. 



PREMIUMS. 



Mr. Tillman, Secretary of the Mechanical Section, presented a 

 report recommending the award of certain medals and diplomas. 



The report was accepted. 



Prof. Seely, Secretary of the Chemical Section, presented a 

 report recommending the award of certain medals and diplomas, 

 accompanied by a special report upon coal oil lamps. 



On motion of Mr. Dibben, the report was adopted by the Poly- 

 technic Association, and ordered to be reported to the Board of 

 Managers of the American Institute. 



