LIGHTING THE GAS WITH ONE'S FINGER.

Evening Post, Volume XVIII, Issue 5, 5 July 1879, Page 1 (Supplement)

LIGHTING THE GAS WITH ONE'S FINGER.

While the public mind is absorbed in the question of producing light of electricity, it is interesting to note a curious natural phenomenon which may be observed in certain climates where the circumstances are favorable to the development of a display of the earth's magnetism, in Canada, for instance, during the winter months, the somewhat striking feafc can be performed of lighting tbe gaa by merely holding any piece of metal, or even the finger alone, close to the gas jet, but without actually touching it. The only necessary preparation for this rather startling performance is to rub the boots on the carpet, or on one of the skin rugs so common in the country (particularly in a dry, warm room), when the body, which is a "conductor" of electricity, becomes charged with electricity, which the carpet, being a " non- conductor," is unable to carry back to the earth, as would be the case if it were damp. The electricity thus collected in the body seeks some mode of escape ; and if the gasalier or any other mecal body or other conduc'<or communicating with the earth is touched, it passes off quietly. If, however, the fiDger is held close to the gasalier in a dark room, without actually touching it. the electric spark, produced by the "break in the circuit" of the electricity passing from the body, may be observed. If the finger, however, i* placed close to the gas jet, while the gas is turned on by another person, the Bp&rk is sufficient to fire the gas, just as the gaslamps in Waterloo Place are lighted by the experimental wires connecting them with each other and with a central electric battery. Canada is not the only part of the world in which these phenomena can be seen. In all climates whpre there is little moisture the same results may be observed. Travellers to the arctic and Antarctic regions, and readers of their works, are familiar with similar displays, which are more easily noticeable in extremely cold than in extremely hot climates, in consequence of the absence of moisture in the air, and objects exposed to the air, whence the electricity generated by friction is with difficulty passed earthwards. — The Colonies and India.

It is proposed to raise a memorial fund to perpetuate the memory of the late Princess Alice, and which will be applied to the Alice Hospital in Darmstadt. To this hospital is attached a training school for nurses.