In conclusion we may indicate a few other of the numerous possible applications of cheap oxygen which might be realized in the near future.  The greatest illuminating effect from a given bulk of gas is obtained by mixing it with the requisite proportion of oxygen, and holding in the flame of the burning mixture a piece of some solid infusible and non-volatile substance, such as lime.  This becomes heated to whiteness, and emits an intense light know as the Drummond light, used already for special purposes of illumination.  By supplying oxygen in pipes laid by the side of the ordinary gas mains, it would be possible to fix small Drummond lights in place of the gas burners now used in houses; this would greatly reduce the consumption of gas and increase the light obtained, or even render possible the employment of cheap non-illuminating combustible gases other than coal gas for the purpose.

Two obstacles at present lie in the way of this consummation—­the cost of the oxygen and the want of a convenient and completely refractory material to take the place of the lime.  Messrs. Brin believe they have overcome the first obstacle, and are addressing themselves, we believe, to the removal of the second.  Again, the intense heat which the combustion of carbon in cheap oxygen will place at the disposal of the metallurgist cannot fail to play an important part in his operations.  There are many processes, too, of metal refining which ought to be facilitated by the use of the gas.  Then the production of pure metallic oxides for the manufacture of paints, the bleaching of oils and fats, the reduction of refractory ores of the precious metals on a large scale, the conversion of iron into steel, and numberless other processes familiar to the specialists whose walk is in the byways of applied chemistry, should all profit by the employment of this energetic agent.  Doubtless, too, the investigation into methods of producing the compounds of nitrogen so indispensable as plant foods, and for which we are now dependent on the supplies of the mineral world, may be stimulated by the fact that there is available by Brin’s process a cheap and inexhaustible supply of pure nitrogen.—­Industries.

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FRENCH DISINFECTING APPARATUS.

[Illustration:  IMPROVED DISINFECTING APPARATUS.]

We represent herewith a sanitary train that was very successfully used during the prevalence of an epidemic of sudor Anglicus in Poitou this year.  It consisted of a movable stove and a boiler.  In reality, to save time, such agricultural locomotives as could be found were utilized; but hereafter, apparatus like those shown in the engraving, and which are specially constructed to accompany the stoves, will be employed.  We shall quote from a communication made by Prof.  Brouardel to the Academy of Medicine on this subject, at its session of September 13: