Rensselaer Republican, Volume 15, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 February 1883 — Coal Oil Lamps. [ARTICLE]

Coal Oil Lamps.

Coal oil as such is not explosive. It must first be converted into a vapor or gas, and mixed with air before it can explode Indeed the oil doesnot burn in the lamp; it is the gas into which the combustion has converted the oil, that gives the flame and light of Hie lamp, or even of a candle But coal oil is easily vaporized, even at ordinary temperatures and on this property the legal tests aje based. The lighter the oilthe more volatile it is, and the greater the danger of taking fire When a lamp is burning, the spaoe above the oil is filled with an inflammable vapor, whioh is as explosive as gunpowder, if it be mixed with air; and yet there is no danger if the wick fit the tube and the lamp is properly trimmed. The burner should be carefully cleaned at least, once a week, and all sediment removed from the perforated plate at the bottom of the burner. No attempt to fill a lamp, while it is burning is safe, even thongh it may have a side tube for filling. Indeed, a lamp should never be opened near another lamp that is burning. Even with the best of oils •it is safer to fill the lamps in the daylight Blowing out a lamp may force the flame down the wick tube and cause an explosion. The same effect may be produced by carrying a lamp rapidly up a stairway but in all these cases there is a dangerous defect in fitting the wick to the tube. Glass lamps should be handled with care. Many accidents occur from upsetting and breaking them, A hanging lamp should be used in the kitchen or workshop. Id case of an accident from oil, never attempt to extinguish it by throwing water on it. The oil is lighter than water and will float on the top of it, stall burning. Smother it with a wet tablecloth, blanket, quilt, carpet, or any thing that comes to hand. With some knowledge of ooal oil, and ordinary case, it is a good and safe illuminator