Page images
PDF
EPUB

the quantity of gas extracted from their materials and also the quantity delivered out. Where the amount of property as well as the number of persons employed were so great, these were considerations of very serious moment, and both these objects have been effectually attained by the invention and perfection of the Gas Meter.

The self-acting Governor constituted the last invention named in Mr. Clegg's patent, and its extensive usefulness has been demonstrated by its general adoption. Its object was to regulate the density and flow of the gas, whatever might be the irregularity in the pressure of the Gasometer, which might proceed from various causes. This contrivance consisted of a hollow upright cylinder, closed at the top and bottom; it was made either of iron or copper, and both sides were japanned. The interior of this vessel had a small conical gasometer, constructed of sufficient weight to produce the pressure required; this was retained in an upright position by guiderods, with which it was connected by loops at the top and bottom of its sides; the outer vessel was filled with water to a certain height that the gasometer might float, and the gas entered it by a pipe that ascended perpendicularly through the centre of the bottom of the outer vessel. A conical valve was attached to an iron rod, and also fixed to the top of the small

gasometer; and, to regulate the size of the orifice by which the gas entered, a partition plate or ring was fixed in the inside of the pipe near to the top of the cone, so that the opening was contracted or enlarged by its rising or falling as the pressure increased or diminished. Thus the density and flow of the gas were preserved equable, the flames of the burners were rendered uniform in height, and the purposes for which it was contrived effectually accomplished.* All the objects included

* The governor for regulating the supply at the main outlet has been improved by Mr. Crosley, who so constructs it, that, by its own action, the presure is increased or diminished with the quantity supplied. One of the modes he employs is in the construction of the small gasometer. Some years ago, by making an experimental gasometer, requiring uniform pressure, for comparing the intensities of light instead of using a compensation chain, which it is not easy to make free from friction on a small scale, he found that he could effect the same in a more simple way, by making the gasometer less in diameter at the top than the bottom. Hence, by increasing this difference, the gasometer may be made to vary its pressure to any required degree. He also effects the same by employing a gasometer of the common construction, making the necessary compensation by means of a cycloidal wheel, over which the balance-weight is suspended. This wheel is formed with moveable pegs for varying the curve, and adapting it at pleasure to any required variations. By certain modifications of the governor, Mr. Crosley has also rendered it capable of regulating the discharge of gas from a portable

in this patent were important, and conduced to increase the reputation of Mr. Clegg. During the period in which his abilities had been employed in the Chartered Company's service, they had distributed their mains over a considerable portion of the metropolis; and the magnitude and extension of their works had afforded him a wide field to display the diversity and extent of his powers. The duties he had to fulfil were indeed arduous, but his exertions were zealous, incessant, and indefatigable. That his mind was ever active, the number of his contrivances affords abundant evidence. Perhaps there is not another individual to whose zeal and ability the art of Gaslighting is so much indebted for the variety as well as extensive utility of his inventions and improvements; indeed, every gas establishment now possesses some proof of his superior ingenuity.

gas vessel, so that, without any adjustment of the valve, the flame may be preserved uniform from the beginning through all the variations of pressure, from thirty atmospheres down to that of common gasometers.

CHAPTER X.

MR. CLEGG RETIRES FROM THE SERVICE OF THE

CHARTERED GAS COMPANY; ERECTS THE APPARATUS AT THE MINT, AND INVENTS HIS COLLAPSING GASHOLDER. MR. BRANDE'S ACCOUNT OF THE PROGRESS OF GAS-LIGHTING IN

LONDON, IN 1817. THE RETORTS OF MR. WILSON; MR. PHILLIPS, MR. PALMER, AND OTHER PLANS FOR PURIFYING COAL GAS. MR. PERKS's AND MR. GRAFTON'S PATENTS FOR ARRANGING RETORTS, &c.

Early in the year 1817, Mr. Clegg retired from the service of the Chartered Gas-light Company, but he had then accomplished the erection and arrangement of their great works, at their three different stations; and during the four years that his abilities had been employed upon them, they had attained such a degree of perfection as to dis. play not only the great capabilities of the art to which he seems to have devoted his talents, but also the probable advantages which would eventually be realized by its general adoption. Mr. Murdoch is undoubtedly entitled to the praise of having been the first person who applied gas as a substitute for other modes of lighting large private

establishments; but the merit of its first application to the illumination of a whole town appears to be due to Mr. Clegg, though experience may have proved that some of his plans were defective. His active, ardent, and enterprising disposition, being united with many useful acquirements, eminently qualified him for such large undertakings; and it may with truth be asserted, that his useful and important labours have inseparably interwoven his name with the subject, so as to render it indelible from the records, of Gas-lighting.

In the course of the year 1817, Mr. Clegg planned and erected the gas apparatus at his Majesty's Mint ;* and also invented his Collapsing Gasholder, which acted upon a principle similar to the opening and closing of the cover of a book, with its ends so contrived that no gas could escape. The contrivance, however, had disadvantages, which prevented its being much used, whatever might be its merits in the estimation of its ingenious contriver.

In the first volume of the Journal of the Royal Institution, Mr. Brande related some important

* For this circumstance we have Mr. Clegg's own authority, though Mr. Accum's advertisements may seem to lead to a different inference; but the correctness of Mr. Clegg's statement has never been disputed.

« PreviousContinue »