Chapter X: Chemistry (3)

Mr. Sykes Ward, of Leeds, has also proposed a most simple and excellent application of the oxy-hydrogen light for illumination _under_ the [Page 128] surface of water, and for the convenience of divers, who are frequently obliged to cease their operations in consequence of the want of light. Mr. Ward's submarine lamp consists of a series of very strong copper tubes, which are filled with the mixed gases by means of a force-pump; and in order to prevent the lamp being extinguished, it burns under _double_ glass shades, which are desirable in order to prevent the glass immediately next to the light cracking by contact with the cold water.

The author tried this lamp at Ryde, and although the coast-guards objected to the production of a brilliant light at night, which they stated might be mistaken for a signal and would cause some confusion amongst the war vessels in the immediate neighbourhood, enough experiments were made, to show that the Ward lamp would burn for a considerable time under water, and could be kept charged with the gas by means of a process that was easily workable in the boat. The gases were taken out mixed in gas bags, and pumped into the reservoir when required. With a much larger reservoir greater results could be obtained; and if nautilus diving bells are to be used in modern warfare, they will require a powerful light to show them their prey, so that they may attach the explosives which are to blow great holes in the men-of-war.

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