. . .But let it not be supposed that all important discoveries are already made, and that there is no opportunity for new Watts and Arkwrights to take their illustrious positions in society. Genius still has many harvests to reap, and men of common sense and common ingenuity have many opportunities of rising to wealth and respectability. Even a simple discovery in candle-making is at this moment realizing a fortune for the inventor. Many of you know the argand lamp; the burner, whether for oil or gas, is circular, and through it is a passage for a current of air; while this is freely open the volume of flame is large, and the colour of the light white, but when obstructed the flame is smaller and of a bluish colour. Most of the gas burners in the shops are on the argand principle, where the fact now stated may be brought to trial. The inventor of the patent candles had nothing to do but to transfer this well known principle to materials used in candle making; the wick is tub. . . Read More