CHEMISTRY OF A PINT OF KEROSENE. 57 



or less explosive ; and when, upon the next even- 

 ing, the lamp is lighted without replenishing with 

 oil, as is often done, an explosion is liable to take 

 place. Late in the evening, when the oil is nearly 

 consumed, and the space above filled with vapor, 

 the lamp cannot explode so long as it remains at 

 rest upon the table. But take it in hand, agitate 

 it, carry it into a cool room, the vapor is cooled, air 

 passes in, and the mixture becomes explosive. A 

 case of lamp explosion came to the writer's knowl- 

 edge a few years since, which was occasioned by 

 taking a lamp from the table to answer a ring at 

 the door-bell. The cool outside air, which im- 

 pinged upon the lamp in the hands of the lady, 

 rapidly condensed the vapor, air passed in, and an 

 explosion occurred, which resulted fatally. If the 

 lamp had been full of fluid, this accident could not 

 have occurred. Before carrying it to the door, 

 flame might have been thrust into the lamp with 

 safety ; the vapor would have ignited, but no ex- 

 plosion could have taken place. 



This brief explanation will serve to show the 

 cause of lamp explosions. We hear much said 

 about dangerous gases being formed in lamps, but 

 this is an error. In burning the most dangerous 

 kinds of kerosene, no decomposition takes- place, 

 resulting in the formation of explosive gases. The 

 whole hazard comes from air-mixed vapor. 



