78 



WRITINGS OF JAMES SMITHSON. 



SOME IMPROVEMENTS OP LAMPS. 



From Thomson's Annals of Philosophy, Vol. XX ; New Series, Vol. IV, 



1822, p. 363. 



Sir : It is, I think, to be regretted, that those who culti- 

 vate science frequently withhold improvements in their 

 apparatus and processes, from which they themselves derive 

 advantage, owing to their not deeming them of sufficient 

 magnitude for publication. 



When the sole view is to further a pursuit of whose im- 

 portance to mankind a conviction exists, all that can do so 

 should be imparted, however small may appear the merit 

 which attaches to it. 



Of the Wicks of Lamps. — The great length of wick com- 

 monly put to lamps for the purpose of supplying the part 

 which combustion destroys, is, on several accounts, ex- 

 tremely inconvenient. It occupies much space in the vessel, 

 and requires an enlargement of its capacity ; it is frequently 

 the occasion of much dirt, &c. This great length of wick 

 is totally unnecessary. 



Fig. 1. Fig. 2. Fig. 8. Fig. 4. 



It is advantageously supplied by a tube containing a bit of 

 cotton wick about its own length, or some cotton wool, fig. 

 1, and at the end of which is placed a stout bit of wick or 

 cotton wool, fig. 2. 



This loose end receives a supply of oil from the cotton 

 under it with which it is put into contact, and when it be-' 

 comes burned, it is easily renewed. 



