THE METHODS OF FIRE-MAKING. 409 



invented, in 1777, an apparatus for producing a light in which an elec- 

 tric spark was made to ignite hydrogen gas. He also invented an elec- 

 tric pistol on the same principle. This hydrogen lighter was an appli- 

 cation about 100 years in advance. It is interesting to note that the 

 introduction of gas illumination prevalent in this country rendered this 

 minor adaptation of electricity practicable iu the same way tbat Volta 

 proceeded. 



Lighting gas by electricity has been accomplished for some years, and 

 is now becoming more and more common, and will perhaps be widely 

 used before electrical lighting shall supplant other methods, as has been 

 assumed by some writers. 



Recently the gas jets of most of the large audience rooms, theaters, 

 churches, etc., of this country are lighted by electricity at the pressure 

 of a button. In residences with modern improvements gas can be lighted 

 or extinguished in the halls and rooms ou different floors from a switch- 

 board situated at a convenient location. 



No practicable portable electrical lighter has yet been devised. 



