THE SEVEEE JAPAN EAKTHQUAKE OF THE 15th JANUAEY, 1887. 323 



daily life. It is true, so-called safety-lamps are sold in Tokyo, but 

 they are very ineffective and miserable affairs. The use of metallic 

 oil-holders would doubtless greatly lessen the danger. 



During his inquiry the writer was shown sixteen lamps that 

 had been broken in the recent earthquake. In one instance the 

 kerosene caught tire, and it was with great difficulty that the resi- 

 dents extinguished it by the aid of wet mats. 



Note: — Since writiug the above paper, the writer has observed iu "Iron" of February 2oth» 

 1887, au aceouut of Mr. Phillips' Shaftesbury Petroleum Lamp, -which apparently fulfils all the 

 requirements of an Earthquake Safety-Lamp. " The iuvention consists of a sliding rod passing 

 through the body of the lamp, one end being attached to au extinguishing cap, whilst the other, 

 which rests on the table, is weighted. Directly the lamp is put out of the perpendicular, the rod, 

 by means of very simple gearing, slides through the tube and brings the cap over the wick, 

 instantly extinguishing the flame. It is real protection to life and property, for if knocked over 

 or dropped, it goes out instantly." It is stated iu that journal that the lamp stood all the tests 

 well. One complete set can be purchased at the low price of two shillings and nine pence (nearly 

 90 sen) at No. 1, Holburn Viaduct, London. 



