APPLICATIONS OF THE ELECTRIC LIGHT. 257 



be distinguished, which would be impossible with gaslight. In 

 every industry where the qualities of objects have to be judged 

 of from their colour, in those where there are sortings or selec- 

 tions according to tints, in assorting stuffs or thread of various 

 shades, the electric light is of unquestioned utility. 



" 2. The heat given off by electric lighting is extremely small. 

 It is well known at what trouble and cost a very imperfect ven- 

 tilation of apartments in which a, number of gas-jets are burnt 

 can be obtained. 



"3. In industrial establishments the electric light supplies a 

 general illumination, which facilitates superintendence at the 

 same time that it simplifies all work of transport, management, 

 &c., &c. It enables, therefore, the number of workmen employed 

 in night shifts to be diminished, and consequently the extent of 

 the premises in which the work is carried on to be reduced. 

 There is thus, together with less cost, an economy of labour and 

 an economy of the prime cost of the establishment. 



" 4. It removes the danger of using gas, which results either 

 from negligence or from an escape from the pipes, as when the 

 turning of a tap is forgotten or the pipes are fused in a fire 

 otherwise originating. 



" Nothing of this kind happens when the electric light is used. 

 Instead of the fusible lead-piping, from which the gas can so 

 readily be allowed to escape, and which can so easily be 

 maliciously injured, the electric communication is by a cord or 

 copper wire covered with an insulating substance. If the circuit 

 were cut, which could only happen intentionally, the reverse 

 would take place from what occurs in the case of gas, for the fluid 

 would no longer flow, and the light would be extinguished. So 

 that, while in the one case the gas from a leakage very easily 

 occasioned, either by accident or by malice, spreads rapidly and 

 forms with the air a mixture that a spark would cause to explode ; 

 in the other case, if the circuit is interrupted there is merely a 

 simple extinction of the lights. 



" Fires may also be occasioned by the direct action of the gas- 

 jets on combustible materials. Now, an electric lamp having a 

 llaine of scarcely any size takes the place of a great number of 

 gas-jets, and the chances of a fire are proportionately reduced. 

 It is, moreover, important to observe that as the combustion of 

 gas gives off much heat, the inflammation of combustible mate- 



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