KEROSENE LAMPS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 122, 9 June 1870, Page 7

KEROSENE LAMPS.

(From The "Sydney Herald.)"

Our ears are every day pained by accounts of kerosene lampa exploding and killing or scarring for life men, women, and children. A simple knowledge of the inflammable nature of the fluid would probably put a stop to nearly all the accidents. As the oil burns down in the lamp, a highly inflammable gas gathers over the surface, and as the oil decreases the gas increases. When the oil is nearly consumed, a slight jar will inflame the gas, and an explosion is sure to follow, dealing death and destruction. A bombshell is not more to be dreaded. Now, if the lamp is not allowed to burn more than half way down, such accidents ai"e impossible. Always fill your lamps every morning; then you never need fear any explosion Great economy can be practised in regard to the wicks. There is usually one-third of a wick wasted. By sewing one wick to the unburnt end, and inserting the same i.e., the same piece into the lamp tube, you can burn more of it; but be sure you take it out before the part that joins the wick enters the tube. Now turn the wick on the other edge and bura down to che joined edges. Thus saving on both wicks is secured. To be sure the saving is very small, but the. old adage is very true, " A penny saved is a penny earned." Half a teaspoon of salt added to the oil of a lamp which holds a pint will take away the disagreeable odour some-times apparent, and, it is said, prevent the formation of that dangerous gas. It is a simple remedy, easily applied. It is also asserted that the salt makes the oil last much longer, but we have only hearsay evidence concerning it. We miy here remark that kerosene -is the best antidote for a severe burn or scald. Immerse the injured part in cold water for a moment; dry with a soft cloth, taking care not to rub at all. Then bathe in kerosene, and the terrible pain ceases. We know of a little child who put is foot and leg into a pail of nearly boiling water. The above remedy was applied, and in a few minutes the child's screams ceased. We know not of the philosophy of the matter, but we do know that it is the most efficacious remedy for severe burns or scalds in the metier ia wedica*