Lime-light

Lime-light, light produced by a blowpipe-flame directed against a block of pure, compressed quicklime. The lime, which ought to be warmed beforehand, becomes brilliantly incandescent. The blowpipe-flame may be produced in several ways: (1) blowing oxygen through a spirit flame—light obtained, about 150 candles; (2) oxygen under pressure, and coal-gas from the mains, brought in concentric tubes to a nozzle, where the mixture is burned in a fine jet—light, about 200 candles; (3) oxygen and coal-gas, both under pressure—light, about 400 candles; (4) the same, the coal-gas or the oxygen saturated with benzoline or ether or both benzoline and ether—light, up to 800 candles when both are employed; (5) warm oxygen, saturated with benzoline, gives light up to 1350 candles; (6) oxygen and hydrogen, up to about 800 candles. The mixed gases at the nozzle are explosive, and the greatest care must be taken to see that the flame is not allowed to run back or the mixture to take place elsewhere than at the nozzle. In the case where oxygen is saturated with combustible material the apparatus is so stuffed as not to allow an explosion to travel backwards in it. Lime-light was used on the stage as far back as 1837–38, but was improved in 1851–52. Thomas Drummond (q. v.) gave his name to an improved type.