HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 



Fig. 1. 



In March 1802, on occasion of the general illuminations for the Peace of 

 Amiens, Mr. Murdoch first publicly exhibited the gas-light, by placing at 

 each end of the Soho manufactory what was termed a Bengal light. The 

 operation was simply effected by fixing a retort in the fireplace of the house 

 below, and then conducting the gas issuing from thence into a copper vase. 

 This was the only gas used on that occasion, the rest of the manufactory being 

 illuminated by the usual small glass oil-lamps, and not with the gas, as has 

 been erroneously stated*. 



About a year after this the Soho Foundry was lighted, but in a very primi- 

 tive manner ; the gas, as it issued from the retort, was immediately conveyed 

 to a gasometer about eight feet in diameter and six feet deep, and from thence 

 to the burners. Mr. Murdoch afterwards repeatedly varied the form of his 

 retorts ; he found it inconvenient to extract the coke from his first, and there- 

 fore constructed them in the forms shown in the following figures. 



In Fig. 2. A is the retort ; B, the pipe that conveyed away the gas ; C, the 

 furnace ; and D, the flue leading to the chimney. The disadvantages attendant 

 upon this form will be evident ; the coal, acted upon in such a mass, became 

 encrusted with an outside coat of carbon, which prevented the effect of the 

 heat from penetrating quickly to the interior. 



* Mr. Clegg, then a pupil of Messrs. Boulton and Watt, was present and assisted at this illu- 

 mination. 



