The gas question : economic and sanitary / by James Adams, M.D.
- James Maxwell Adams
- Date:
- 1882
Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: The gas question : economic and sanitary / by James Adams, M.D. Source: Wellcome Collection.
Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.
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![more apt to blame the heat or the carbonic acid, and but few tliink of the condition of atmosphere that is impeding the functions of the skin and the action of the lungs. Dr. Lotheby has not over- looked this important feature of gas combustion, although he has not illustrated it, as I propose to do, by showing the actual amount of water generated from given quantities of gas. In his table already quoted he demonstrates that sperm oil, wax and tallow candles, &c., cause a greater loss of oxygen, generate more carbonic acid, and vitiate the air to three or four times the extent of coal gas; but although these results, he says, “ indicate that there should be less discomfort in a room lighted with coal gas than with any other illuminating agent, yet common experience is altogether in the opposite direction.” The explanation of this is to be found not only in the fact that gas is used more lavishly than other agents, but also that in burning it produces a larger ])roportion of aqueous vapour, which, becoming diffused into the surrounding atmosphere, occasions great discomfort. Professor Tyndall has shown that the molecules of aqueous vapour are endowed with a remarkable power of absorbing the radiant heat of burning gas, and by thus becommg warm they create a sense of oppression ; and, again, when the warm atmosphere of a room is overcharged with moisture, it checks the action of vaporous or insensible perspiration, and this also causes distiess. In all cases, therefore, where gas is largely used in rooms, provision should be made for the quick removal of the products of combustion. I now exhibit a table that shows in a measureable form the quantities of air required for the combustion of high-quality gas as contrasted with low-quality gas. It likewise gives comparison of bulk, of illuminating, and of heating power. The actual quantities of air used in combustion in th^ prodaclion of eyual value are also shown, making it clearly evident that thei’e is no greater amount of air consumed by high-quality gas than by low-quality gas in the production of equal values for lighting or heating. I may add that if, in this investigation, it had resulted that more air was necessary—even twice as much—the extra supply might have been submitted to with equanamity. Air is not sold by the meter. I have added a demonstration of the evil hitherto so little considered, of an unwholesome moist atmosphere produced by the combustion of any quality of coal giis, but in a greater degree followiug the use of low-quality gas.](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b24919792_0035.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
