The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-08-26

We have received pamphlet, published IN London
containing the opinions OF the press in that city with regard
to the efficiency OF this invention in suppessng fire; and
such is the OF evidence in its favor that there
be reasonable doubt either 10 its power OF exn-
gushing the raging fame TO its utility prac.
tice From this pamphlet we copy the following interest
ing account OF the circumstances which led TO this mpor
tant invention:
" During Mr. Phillipss lectures TO which we have ad-
vered he described TO the audience the natural phenom
ena which first suggested TO his mind the idea OF apply
ing vapors 10 The exlngushng OF hre IN buildings ~
appears that many years since he was on board OF an
English man OIL war, cruising IN the Mediterranean
when of those extraordinary phenomena occurred
which few have bad an opportunity OF wlsnessng-ihe
formation of island from the depths OF The ocean by
volcanic agency. After the consolidation OF land above
the water, where the eighty tahoms Deep to an
extent OF six miles IN diameter The volcanic action con-
tnued with extraordinary impetus, Notwithstanding an
chasm open side OF the island, INTO
which the waters flowed in foaming torrents and were as
instantly elected, in combination with red hot cnders and
flames of fire, TO perpendicular height OF probably three
miles. AT this awful moment the vessel, about two miles
distant gradually drifting, at slow but certain rate
with the current. directly into this vast fiery opening and
the CONSERVATION and despair OF all on board may be bet
ter fanced than described All given up for lost,
when suddenly the eruption ceased vast body OF vapor
escaped from the crater, and current OF wind sprnglng
up from the island bore the apparently doomed vessel
away in safety From this perllous adventure, Mr. Phil
lips struck with the idea which formed the basis OF
had evidently extnguishing effect the flame, even
the source whence il but soon as sutfl
quantity OF vapor had formed in the fiery depths 10
off all connexon with the atmosphere, and thus pre-
vent OF oxygen to support combustion, instantly
flames checked the very foundation of the fire
annhated, and the island alone remained to show the
extraordinary outbreak which Nature had been sub
jeced Having thus mboded the idea, the next difficulty
was the construction OF apparatus which should in
simultaneously be available and which should be certain
in operation and this has been most completely ef
fected The charge in the machine is chemical com
pound of highly combustibe nature, but only when
fired by chemical means 1t then gives out most intense
heat sufficient instantly to vaporze the water contained
the case, and which, mixing with its own vapor, forms
the gaseous compound, in which no fire can exist AL
though thus strictly chemical operation, it is 80 ar
rang ed that the unenlightened even child,
can perform the action required with and safety,
being merely pressing down peg in the top OF the outer
case. This peg breaks capsule containing sulphurc
acid, which dropping into tube containing chorate OF
potash and lump sugar, mixed in the form OF powder,
The charge above noticed instantly put IN state OF
combustion, and the effects mentioned the result We
understand that the public generally becoming alive
TO the safety OF having OF the annhilaors IN their
houses as Offering such simple yet certain means OF stop
ping the ravages OF fire when in embryo and theatre,
bank or other public establishment, gentlemen's country
mansions where from their isolated position, fires are
generally fatal ships at should be without one
or of these life and property saving machines"