THE MORALITY OF HAPPINESS. 469 



1. Simplicity of apparatus. It can be made in a few moments by 

 any one who can bend a glass tube. 



2. Simplicity of manipulation. A manufacturer, asked to try it, 

 obtained concordant and accurate results at the first trial. 



3. Trustworthiness of the results, which are independent of arbitrary 

 conditions, and have a significance wholly wanting in methods based 

 upon other principles. The flashing-point determined is the lowest. 



The lowest flashing-point for illuminating oils in New York is 

 fixed by law at 100° Fahr., and this is as determined by a modification 

 of the Wisconsin tester, an instrument which demands all the precau- 

 tions so emphatically given by Engler and Haass. In Massachusetts, 

 method and flashing-point are apparently both left to the wisdom and 

 discretion of the inspector. 



And yet we have seen that 116° Fahr. is the very lowest flashing- 

 point consistent with safety, and this should mean the minimum flash- 

 ing-point determined by some fully reliable method. We must not 

 be misled in this matter by the statement that our best kerosenes are 

 " 150° or 160° test " oils ; for this has reference, not to the flashing- 

 point, but to the fire-test, or burning-point, which, as has already been 

 shown, gives little indication of the character of an oil. The best oils 

 sold, flash at about 109° Fahr., while the cheaper grades have much 

 lower flashing-points — at least as low as 85° Fahr. 



We need not be surprised, then, at the numerous accidents ; they 

 will not diminish until a much more efficient and intelligent system of 

 inspection is enforced than now. We are far too much inclined to 

 take our risk, even in the midst of constant warnings ; we leave our 

 kerosene to the ignorant and careless handling of our servants ; we 

 buy, perhaps, a cheaper grade from motives of economy, only to find 

 that the oil in which we thoughtlessly trusted has occasioned loss of 

 property, horrible suffering, or even death. 



As long as unsafe kerosene is offered for sale, we may be sure 

 purchasers will be found. The only safe way is to banish the dan- 

 gerous stuff from the market. 



THE MORALITY OF HAPPINESS. 



Br THOMAS FOSTEB. 

 IV. — EIGHT AOTD WBONG. 



IN its scientific aspect, then, as indicated by processes of evolution, 

 conduct is good in proportion as it tends to increase the quantity 

 and the fullness of life, bad in proportion as it exerts a contrary influ- 

 ence. Conduct may tend to increase life in its fullness directly or 

 indirectly, proximately or remotely ; and again conduct may in one 



