Globular lamps were introduced by Michael Cole, who obtained a patent July 1708; a copy of the docquet for which follows: "A grant unto Michael Cole, gent. of the sole use and benefit in England and Ireland of his invention of a _new kind of Light_, composed of one entire glass of a globular shape, with a lamp, which will give a clearer and more certain light from all parts thereof, without any dark shadows or what else may be confounding or troublesome to the sight, than any other Lamps that have hitherto been in use: To hold to the said Michael Cole, his executors, administrators, and assigns, during the term of fourteen years; with a proviso, that the said invention shall not before the determination of the term of twenty-one years (which commenced June 24, 1694) be used within the City of London, or the liberties thereof, to the prejudice of the proprietors of the public glass lights called _Convex lights, now used_ in the said City and liberties thereof; and such other provisos, prohibitions, and clauses are inserted, as were directed by warrant under her Majesty's Royal sign manual. Subscribed by Mr. Solicitor General. "JOHN WOODESON, _Dep. to Sir_ GEORGE PIERS, _Bart._" Cole first exhibited his Globe Lamp at the door of the St. James's Coffee-house in 1709, and attended there to answer queries relating to it. He afterwards offered to dispose of his patent for the benefit of this Kingdom, as he resided in Ireland. The ensuing report was made September 17, 1736, by Alderman Alsop and Godschall, and eight Common Council-men, appointed a Committee to consider in what manner the Act of Parliament "for the better enlightening the streets of London" might be put in execution. "There were 1287 houses under the rent of 10_l. per annum_; 4741 of 10_l._ and under 20_l._; 3045 of 20_l._ and under 30_l._; 1849 of 30_l._ and under 40_l._; and 3092 of 40_l._ and upwards. In all 14,014 houses, then inhabited and chargeable; which were about 400 less than the Committee imagined. The number of lamps required was 4200, exclusive of those wanted for public buildings and void places, fixed at twenty-five yards distance on each side of the way in the high streets, and at thirty-five in lesser streets, lanes, &c. The several Wards of the City agreed for the lighting them at an average of 41_s. per annum per_ lamp, at which rate the expence of the 4200 amounted to 8610_l._ The fixing of those on posts and irons, averaged at 14_s._ 6_d._ each, 3045_l._; total expence 5628_l._ The rates to supply which sum were fixed as follows: Houses under 10_l._--3_s._ 6_d. per annum_; under 20_l._--7_s._ 6_d._; under 30_l._--8_s._; under 40_l._--9_s._ 6_d._; upwards of 40_l._--12_s._"