NEW USE FOR ACETYLENE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7389, 15 February 1902, Page 4 (Supplement)

NEW USE FOR ACETYLENE.

A successful trial has taken place in Vienna at the Diana Baths of a new invention for saving life at sea. The inventor is Lieutenant Georg Irsay de Irsay, of the Hussars.

A man completely dressed, the lifesaving appliance hanging loosely from his body, threw himself into the water. After a few seconds he returned to the surface, and then for some hours was kept above water by the inflated bladder or bag constituting the essential part of the appliance.

The invention consists of a metal box and a bag, which is closely wrapped around the box. Within the apparatus a perforated case is placed containing a certain chemical preparation. The lock of the case consists of a rubber plate, which is kept upwards before use by means of a substance soluble in water.

The instant water penetrates into the apparatus acetylene gas is developed, and the lock becomes closed automatically.

The inflated bag serves as a sort of floating cushion, by means of which even voluntary attempts at diving are impossible. Lieutenant Irsay intends to compel v with his invention for the Pollock prize, instituted by the heirs of the victims of the Bourgogne disaster.

A farmer once wrote to a distinguished scientific agriculturist, to whom he felt under an obligation for introducing a new breed of swine: — "Respected Sir, — I went yesterday to the cattle fair; I found several pigs of your species. There was a great variety of beasts, and I was very much astonished at not seeing you there."