Securities against Fire, &c. 287 
lanthropic man, whose mind was ever meditating upon what might 
be useful to others, had the design of writing, when at leisure, a me- 
mowr on these subjects at Li but polling of this kind appears to 
have been left behind him. 
2. The second article selected for notice in the present supple- 
ment, is the Chevalier Aldini’s publication respecting ‘the art of pre- 
serving from fire: [that is, as] applied to firemen and persons expo- 
sed to fire; with a series of experiments in Italy, Germany, and 
France.” Prof. Griscom, having ably and clearly analyzed this 
work,* I shall select from his account of it, a few particulars be- 
longing to my present subject; since they regard the security of 
those professionally employed in extinguishing the flames in burning 
buildings. 
These particulars are as follows.—The bodies of persons exposed 
to the action of fire, are directed to be covered with dresses formed 
out of Amianthus, or with Sir Humphry Davy’s metallic gauze; and 
their hands also are to be protected by suitable gloves. The parties 
when they move among flaming materials, are likewise to carry be- 
fore them, metallic gauze shields; and to be provided with pincers and 
other suitable implements, to perform such work as the case may re- 
quire. ‘They are moreover directed, when surrounded by flames, 
to keep themselves as much as may be in a state of motion; and are 
particularly cautioned not to remain long in a body of compact smoke. 
The methods prescribed in the Chevalier Aldini’s book, are not 
denied to be susceptible of farther improvement; but enough has 
- been established to make the art, even in its present state, appear 
valuable as to practice. The experiments of several persons of high 
estimation, as Messrs. Gay-Lussac and D’Arcet, are among those ci- 
ted to support its credit; besides the patronage of several govern- 
ments, and besides other distinctions which were profitable as well 
as honorable-—One particular is added of moment, in favor of the 
plan, as regards expense; namely, that wool may be so prepar- 
ed, as to become in ‘‘ ordinary” cases, a substitute for amianthus in 
applying this art to use. In short, enough is said, to make it appear 
of consequence, not only to import into the U. States, the necessary 
dresses, &c. which belong to this art; but also to engage persons 
well acquainted with what belongs to this subject, to visit the U. 
* See Vol. xx, No. 1, of this Journal, p. 96. 
