DR. JOHNSON'S PREVISION OF GAS LIGHTING.
The use of gas was introduced in 1792, in Cornwall, for lighting a house; in the year 1708, for lighting a manufactory at Soho, London, and in the year 1807, at the Roman Catholic College of Stonyhurst. The first gas company was formed in London in 1809. Dr. Johnson is thought to have had a prevision of the invention of gas lighting. From the window of his house ill Bolt Court, London, he observed the parish lamp lighter ascend the ladder to light one of the glimmering oil lamps. The man had scarcely descended the ladder half-way when tho flame expired. Quickly returning, he lifted the cover partially, and, thrusting the end of his torch beneath it, the flame was instantly communicated to the wick by the thick vapour winch issued from it. "Ah," exclaimed the doctor, "one of these days the streets of London will be lighted by smoke!"
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Bibliographic details
Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 123, 26 May 1932, Page 22
Word Count
156DR. JOHNSON'S PREVISION OF GAS LIGHTING. Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 123, 26 May 1932, Page 22
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