LUXENE—WHAT IT IS !

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7922, 23 July 1891, Page 2

LUXENE—WHAT IT IS !

LUX IN OR LUX OUT. A Christchurch ironmonger seems greatly exercised about the new light, his malady venting itself in a mild attack of caeoeihes scribendi. He's ft droll dog, and if his luck continues in may coruscate some day as the funny editor of the " Graveyard," or some other publication of humorous tendencies. His great trouble seems to be tbat Luxene is kerosene manipulated? Evidently so. He could not have hit it better ,* and what I want to know is. is the kerosene he is importing mardvutated, or still iv its crude state ? The following information ought to enlighten him as to the treatment or petroleum, from which kerosene and a dozen otherproducts is derived :— It is a natural sequence that the introduction of a new light should occasion some little stir amongst distributors, and prompt the inquiry, "In what way does the new article differ from the old i la a former article we dealt in laistoricar orderwith progressive nietbons of, artificial lighting, and, therefore, intend to coniine ourselves at present to an analysis of Luxene, the newest and purest source of light. As is well known to the initiated, crude petroleum, as it flows from the oil springs of Pennsylvania nnd other- oilbearing States, bears little resemblance to the refined product commercially known as kerosene. To provide for its transport to the seaboard—where most of the refineries aro situated — huge pipe lives, known as trunk lines, are laid for many hundred* of miles, from which radiate smaller lines or feeders to tho remoter and less productive districts. When oil is discovered in payable quantities a branch line is laid down, a meter erected, and into this huge network of sewer 3 the crude oil is allowed to flow. Daily certificates are issued by the Standard Oil Company's official in charge of the meter for tho actual quantity registered, less an ascertained percentage for leakage and carriage, and these certificates as soon as issued become as negotiable as a bond warrant, scrip or other transferable security. Oa presentation by the original owner or any subsequent purchaser at the terminus of tho line in New York the actual number of gallons for which it was originally issued are delivered. Up to this point, then, the oil is innocentof grade or brand. To the refiner belongs the task of fitting the crude oil for consumption, and he it is who is responsible for the grading and purity of the ultimate products. Petroleum, ns received by the refiner, closely resembles iv appearance and consistency a very poor quality of treacle, the only difference, perhaps, being that it is a little thinner and ruus more freely. In his hands the transformation is remarkable. Oil received in a liquid form may emerge either as a water-white kerosene, a lower grade burning oil, lubricating oil, vaseline, coleo, axle grease, tar, or a residuum from which chewing gums or jujubes can be manufactured. Waste there is none. Oil refined to tbe different standard tests, such as loOdeg., 135deg., llOdeg., IGOdeg., &c, is tinned, cased aud branded as required by the different exEorters, neai'ly all of whom owu various rands having different value, in different markets. It is at the refinery, then, that the oil is prepared for use, and with this introduction we shall be able to make intelligible the difference between .kerosene the old and luxene the new light. Under ordinary circumstances when a refiner has brought his oil to loOdeg test and the requisite shade of color his responsibility ceases, aud the cauner steps in. Not so with " Luxene." Having reached loOdeg, or the highest standard test, there are yet impurities to be eliminated, as everyone knows full well who has been annoyed by smoky chimneys, flaring lights, and smell. The special treatment undergone by Luxene imparts a higher illuminating power with greater softness and freedom from smoke and smell. Combustion being slower the oil burns longer and, therefore, although slightly higher priced than ordinary kerosene, it is in the end more economical. It is thus seen, where kerosene ends and Luxene commences, and I hope the information Gratuitously given will go far to relieve the soul of the gentleman who seems bursting with indignation at the manipulation of Luxene. As I've said before, he's a droll dog, and might carry his consistency so far as to take his tea without cream rather than adulterate it with manipulated milk, or worry his wife all night with cold feet rather than stimulate his circulation with a "nightcap" of manipulated corn juice. He may even appear some day in his birthday costume rather than encase his limbs in manipulated wool or cotton, and would probably walk to Dunedin rather than submit to ihe indignity of transit by manipulated steam. Although his objection to manipulation seems pronouhced, he's not altogether a hopeless case, seeing that ho advertises Luxene for those who require it. I hope he will have such a run on it that next time he lands a shipment ot that aromatic incense called kerosene he'll consider his luck out instead of in.