IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF GAS. 121 
colouring matter, or into water and carbonic acid, by the 
action of oxidizing bodies.* — Chem.. Gaz. from *finn. da 
Chim. et de Phys. 
ART. XXXII.— IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PROCESS OF 
MANUFACTURING GAS. 
The progress of science and the stimulus of competition 
have been instrumental in effecting so great an improve- 
ment in the quality as well as in the economy of gas, that 
we ^now receive at the rate of seven shilling a thousand 
cubit feet, a gas of much greater purity and illuminating 
power than that which, a few years ago, was supplied at 
seventeen shillings. There is every reason to believe that 
further improvements will be effected, as several new 
companies are in progress of formation, all holding out to 
the public their respective claims to confidence and support, 
on the ground of their undertaking to supply a superior 
article at a reduced price. Among these aspirants we may 
mention the Western Gas-light Company, whose works are 
in course of construction at Kensall Green, who undertake 
to flemish a gas from Cannel coal, possessing an illuminating 
*The presence of muriatic acid in the nitric acid singularly pro- 
motes the formation of oxalic acid. The resins of benzoin and Tolu 
do not yield oxalic acid when treated with pure nitric acid. It is 
obtained however when an impure acid is used. Pure nitric acid 
gives rise to terebic acid by reacting upon the oil of turpentine, and 
oxypicric acid, by oxidizing the gum-resins. On employing nitric 
acid containing a considerable quantity of muriatic acid, we obtain 
only oxalic acid under the same circumstances. 
11* 
