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you have no detailed statement of results from the old or different methods with which you make a comparison-there has been entire lack of detail in one or both cases.

Heretofore, the main object in all such experiments has been to produce so many feet per pound of coal, with possibly a slight leaning to a record of illuminating value, and, mayhap, an occasional note is jotted down of the working of the exhauster. No attention has been paid to the processes of purification, to the atmospheric influences, nor to the many minor details which go so far to make success or failure a certainty.

So long as this mode of experimenting is continued we can look for no real or beneficial results, as it is but seldom that all the conditions, that a series of experiments with one and the same apparatus, had at different places, will accomplish the same results. This being the case, it is necessary, would we have our work prove of any value to ourselves or others, that a correct record of everything entering into the success or failure of our experiments be kept, for then, and then only, can they, by reduction to adopted standards, be used in comparison with work accomplished by others.

These records prove of value, not alone in comparing results of experiments, but in our every-day work. It is not just to compare our yield per pound of coal with that of another, and, because we may have succeeded in obtaining a few hundredths of a cubic foot per pound more than he, claim that our results are better, when, perchance, were the truth known, it was the other way. It is thus easy to see that the necessity of strict attention to details enters not alone into one, but into every point of our economy, and is a matter that should receive serious consideration, as being the most likely to bring us to a proper plane of comparisons, even to that varying and troublesome question "unaccounted-for gas."

It is not my purpose to enter into and discuss the several details or processes now being used in the purification of gas; should I do so I might be deemed the outrunner of some of the many patentees; this being the case I shall only add that unless the care which has been exercised in the early stages of manufacture follow, the increased results we have there obtained, closely to the end, they may be very materially diminished.

There is one subject to which I think all of us should give close attention, as being one most likely to repay us in the increased illuminating value of our gas-and that is, what is the proper temperature of condensation ? The old axiom that thorough condensation is half purification" is one of but little value to us to-day, simply because no one can tell us what thorough condensation " means—that is, what temperature constitutes or fulfills the meaning of the word "thorough."

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Experience has taught us that rapid or sudden condensation is a great evil; and yet, to-day, works are constructed in which the gas is plunged into a water bath not ten (10) feet from the hydraulic main and, not content with this shock, is led into condensers not two feet further on; the only wonder is that there are any illuminants left in the gas when it reaches the holder. In connection with this thought let us look for one moment at the proper temperature of registering at the station meter-this, as well as photometrical observations, etc., has always been allowed as 60° Fahr., with the barometer at 30 inches.

Now, if this be the proper temperature to represent gas at its standard volume, surely thorough condensation cannot mean a temperature below that point, but some point so much above it only as will lose the additional degrees of heat in its passage to and through the purifiers.

At my works I endeavor to keep the temperature at the outlet of my second condenser, at 70°, the gas then reaching the meter at or near 60°.

We are well aware that all aeriform bodies expand 1-480 of their bulk, at 32° Fahr., for every additional degree of temperature, or about 1 per cent. for every 5°, consequently the temperature at which the make of gas is registered and distributed from the holder, would, if carefully observed, go far to dispel some of the gloom which seems to pervade our heavy leakage account. For instance-a ton of coal yielding 10,000 cubic feet as registered at 60°, would, if registered at 70°, increase to 10.196 cubic feet, quite an item to the credit of manufacturing account; but if the gas is distributed at 60°, it falls back to 10,000 cubic feet, and we are obliged to place 196

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feet to leakage account-this, added to condensation in mains, goes far to make up the major portion of our unaccountedfor gas.

It is thus but too apparent that what may seem the minor details of our works are among the most important, do we look for solid results, and though such small nothings are apt to prove annoying and vexatious, at the outset, if they are honestly and thoroughly adhered to, will go largely to ensure success, and it is this minutiæ, more than all else, that requires our personal supervision, for while our foremen may be faithful, yet it is hard to instil into their minds the necessity of so much care over few degrees, more or less, in the temperature of the gas.

Gentlemen; if cleanliness is next to Godliness, methinks there is no place in which it is more necessary than at a gas works. No time is squandered that is devoted to the cleaning and care of machinery, rather does it repay, in its better working, all such labor; I can conceive of no reason why the engine, exhauster, etc., should not at all times put on holiday attire. Order in the retort house is more than law, and its results apparent on every hand. Not alone this, but the floors, from the retort house throughout, should be kept scrupulously clean. The old saw" a place for everything, and everything in its place," was, methinks, especially given birth to for our benefit. There are two reasons for this-the one, when the tools are needed there may be no delay if they are properly placedthe other, by it we instil in our men a feeling of pride.

I care not what manner of men we may have around the works, if they are in any wise fitted for the labor they are called upon to perform, if they are early taught that their place must be kept clean, they will soon come to pride themselves upon the appearance of the space before their bench, and a rivalry as to who shall be the cleanest will be the result.

Again; while I am not here to read an essay upon landscape gardening, I do feel that too many of us who have the yard room neglect to care for it, but leave it as a dreary waste, an eyesore to all who may happen our way; a few moments in the day will soon put our yards in shape. Let the heaps of old iron, broken barrows, and such like, that are now piled up as

monuments to neglect, be banished, and let grass-plats take their place-add a few flowers, and let it all be done by your own men during leisure moments-under your supervision, and you have brought them into contact with a refining influence which cannot fail of good effect. Not alone this, you awaken a feeling of pride; they look upon this change as the result of their labor, they have an interest in it; and, believe me, but a short lime will elapse until they are as deeply interested in its success, if not more so, than yourself.

There are many, I know, think this fancy, gentlemen; practical experience has demonstrated to me that it is truth.

Others may say that it is expensive; to this I reply-not necessarily so.

If you aim to complete all your plans at once it will necessitate the employment of outside labor, would prove costly, and, worse than all, would rob the thing of its charm. Simply take a small portion at a time, complete that, plant your flowers, and you have laid down the foundation stone of what shall prove a source of pride and pleasure, not alone to you, or those who may visit you, but to your employees; and, more than all, you have won them without a seeming effort, to greater neatness and despatch in all their work.

Well does Matthews say, in speaking of details in business, "does not experience prove the sagacity of these observations? In the case of gifted men especially, what cause of failure do we find more fruitful than that here indicated? Their souls fire with lofty conceptions of some work to be achieved; their minds warm with enthusiasm as they contemplate the object already attained; but when they begin to put the scheme into execution, they turn away in disgust from the dry minutiæ and vulgar drudgery which are required for its perfection. Hence the world is full of mute, inglorious Miltons, who languish, not from lack of ability, but because, in spite of their many brilliant parts, they lack something which the famous possess."

Thus we see, gentlemen, that constant watchfulness in all departments of our profession may well be added to the list of golden rules. Our lives will be indeed spent, or rather misspent, in planning grand improvements, unless we are willing to watch

with a patience doubly told every detail, not alone of its construction, but its useful management and working.

We can no more look for success, by neglecting the minutia of our profession, than can the general, who, while he may plan some grand achievement, hope for victory to perch upon his banner, when he leaves the entire detail of his campaign to subordinate officers.

History never fails to repeat itself, and the methods of success in years gone by were the same as those of to-day.

In conclusion, gentlemen; if to the patriot of old “eternal vigilance was the price of liberty"—to us eternal watchfulness is the price of success. Would we win results from the works in our charge, ours must be the brain to devise, ours the wisdom to direct and the thoughtful energy that shall overcome all obstacles, and snatch, as it were, success from apparent failure; and while history may not carry our names with sounding praise to future generations, perchance, a satisfied board of directors may, for a moment, dwell with kindly remembrances on the man who has spent himself in their service; but over all, and above all, will and must come to our minds that satisfaction, that rest of conscience that ever follows a full and faithful performance of duty.

THE PRESIDENT—I was mistaken about Mr. White's being the last paper, but before we hear the remaining paper read, I will state that there is an application for membership from Mr. R. C. Terry, of Philadelphia, and Mr. Cartwright moves that the secretary be authorized to cast the vote of the Convention for the gentleman.

The chair then appointed Capt. Dresser teller, to receive the ballots, which was done, and Mr. Terry was declared duly elected as a member of the Association.

THE PRESIDENT-There should have been a report of the Committee on Statistics before now. Has there been such a committee appointed?

Receiving no response to this question, the chair proceeded to appoint Messrs. McIlhenny, Henry Cartwright and A. B. Slater, as a Committee on Statistics.

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