TOPICS OF THE DAY.
THE origin of the word “kerosene” is very little known. In 1854 a Dr. Gessner obtained a patent for a process of making kerosene, which was distilled from bituminous coal. The product was thick and white, resembling wax; in common parlance it was known as tar wax, but this was too common, and two Greek words were blended together —keros (wax) and elaine (oil).
A CORRESPONDENT writes us as follows: “We have Siamese couplings, but can’t use them, either for want of power or because we don’t know how. Will you inform me if I can increase the power, or give some instructions as to how they are used?” We do not understand how anyone can have difficulty in using the Siamese connections. If there is power enough to force water through a line of hose, the Siamese ought to work all right. Will our correspondent please describe his couplings, and explain how they work, or don’t work ?
If you are a current subscriber,login hereto access this content.
If you would like to become a subscriber, please visit ushere.
