ILLUMINATION AT SEA.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1286, 3 May 1878, Page 3

ILLUMINATION AT SEA.

A scientific paper states that an important advance has been made towards solving the problem of illumination at sea by an adaptation of what is known as the Holmes distress signal, in the form of a shot, for illuminating purposes, to be fired from mortars at ranges varying from five hundred to two thousand five hundred yards. These signals possess the remarkable property of emitting a very powerful white light the moment they come into contact with the water, and when once ignited are absolutely inextinguishable by either wind or water, and burn with a persistency that is almost incredible, thirty or forty minutes being an average duration. The shot containing this light is constructed so as to be buoyant upon the water, and at the same time, with sufficient rigidity of form to withstand the concussion of powder. Upon striking the water at the required range, the shot, floating up to the surface, immediately bursts into a brilliant flame with great illuminating power. Half a dozen of these shots fired from an ironclad or gunboat would effectually surround her with an impassable cordon of light at any required range, and by such a device the enemy's movements of attack would become plainly discernible, and any attempt to break through the illuminated zone of light be at once detected, however dark the night.