WATER GAS. This name is applied to the compound gases derived from the decomposition of resin and the admix ture of hydrogen from decomposition of water. So long back as 1833, Mr. Jobard, in France, produced hydrogen by the decomposition of water, and applied it to the purposes of illumination with great success. He obtained his hydro gen by the decomposition of steam in vertical retorts, filled with incandescent coke, and unites the gas jest as it is form ed with hicarburetted hydrogen produced by the distillation of any hydro-earburct, as oil, tar, naphthaline, and other pro ducts at present rejected in ordinary gas works.
In 1848, Mr. S. White patented in England an apparatus for the manufac ture of gas from water and common tar, or resin, &c. The apparatus consisted of three retorts, placed on a stove, two of which are filled with charcoal, and thin pieces of iron, and the other with iron chains, hanging from a centre bar. The first two retorts are for the decomposi tion of water, which is regularly supplied by a syphon pipe, passing through and into the centre of the retort. The water
in passing through the heated material becomes converted into pure hydrogen. It then passes into the third retort, to receive its full dose of bicarburet of hy drogen, which is prepared from common tar, resin, or similar substances, passing or dropping on the red-hot chain from a syphon tub, which regulates its supply. This causes the tar or melted resin to throw off olefiant gas in abundance. The mixed gases are then conveyed into the gasometer without purification, none be ing required. Its great advantages are that it only requires an apparatus, which may be small, simple, and cheap ; and the beautiful light produced is superior to the ordinary coal-gas. It may be man ufactured on small concerns, as manu factories, hotels, and large mansions ; and may be burned in any room without any unpleasant smell being evident..