116 Protection of Persons from Fire. 



The cloth of amianthus or prepared wool will alone afford a suffi- 

 cient guard in common eases; while the metallic gauze in extinguish- 

 ing flame does not sufficiently intercept the heat. The latter also, by- 

 its rigidity, constrains the motions of the firemen, a serious inconven- 

 ience when we consider how essential it is for them to enjoy the full 

 play of their limbs. The reporter therefore infers that woollen gar- 

 ments, sufficiently thick and close, and well impregnated with saline 

 soluUonSy or preferably perhaps several lighter folds, one over another, 

 of close stuff, to prevent the admission of air, would alone be suffi- 

 cient, and that at farthest it would only be necessary, in particular 

 circumstances, to add moveable pieces of metallic cloth, to guard 

 those parts of the body which are the most exposed to the heat, pre- 

 serving always the two coverings at a certain distance from each 

 other ; for a close contact renders the metallic tissue more injurious 

 than useful. 



The rejiorters speak highly of the use of the buckler, either with 

 or without the dress of prepared stuffs — and also of the advantage of 

 metallic graUng or wire work, as a stoppage to flame in doors, win- 

 dows, &sc. 



On the whole, they recommend in strong terms the means invent- 

 ed by the Chev. Aldini, to enable firemen to penetrate buildings on 

 fire, to remove valuable materials, and to preserve the lives of those 

 who are liable to perish in the most frightful torments. 



The third report in the appendix is from a commission appointed 

 by the Prefect of Police, consisting of D^Arcet, Marc, Baron 

 de Plazanet, Meyniel and Gualtier de Clauhry. The third named 

 commissioner. Baron de Plazanet, colonel of the fire companies of 

 Paris, devoted much attention to the experiments of M. Aldini. 



The report speaks favorably of the lamp or lantern of metallic 

 tissue, introduced by the author. It may be set down upon straw 

 or hay, or be surrounded by it without danger. If a straw should 

 penetrate the lantern and take fire within, it will not communicate 

 the flame beyond the meshes. A moveable muff has been added, to 

 guard the flame against a current of wind. 



It would have been desirable in the opinion of the reporters, that 

 an experiment had been made in a close room or building filled with 

 fire and smoke, and they are not confident that without a reservoir of 

 condensed air, or some additional artificial way, there would be any 

 safety in remaining in such a situation^ 



