A paper entitled “Central-Station Electric Lighting” was contributed by the Author to the Institution of Civil Engineers, and was published in Part II. of the Minutes, 1886-87; the subject-matter has been extended and brought up to date, with the object of giving a description of the systems which are practically employed in Central-Station Lighting at home and on the Continent. Details respecting the generating plant at these stations are omitted on purpose; technical terms would also be avoided if possible; failing this, it is hoped that the accompanying Glossary will explain what is unfamiliar. The amendment of the Electric Lighting Act of 1882 has given a fresh stimulus to the industry, and many new enterprises for distributing electricity from Central-Stations are being prepared, and it is to be hoped that the public will profit by former experience, and will discriminate between the good and the bad schemes which will be offered to them. The organizing facilities possessed by Gas Companies make it desirable that they should follow the example of the American Companies, and take up the business of supplying electricity. The existing powers of private companies might have to be altered, but those municipal authorities who own the gasworks could certainly distribute electricity from a central-station, which might be installed at the present works. Local authorities have certain advantages over private companies owing to the purchasing clause of the Electric Lighting Act, also the power to borrow money under this and the Local Loans Act of 1875; should there be no department to carry out the business of supplying electricity, the generating plant could be maintained and worked by a contractor for a fixed annual sum. The remarks of Lord Herschell that the “electric light is more used in the South Sea Islands than in this country” ought to be taken as not so much referring to want of enterprise on the part of capitalists and engineers, but to the Electrical Facilities Act of 1882, which has been appropriately termed a very “boa-constrictor.” KILLINGWORTH HEDGES. 25, QUEEN ANNE’S GATE, WESTMINSTER, S.W. _September, 1888._ INDEX OF TERMS. AMPÈRE-HOUR.—A current of one ampère strength for one hour. CURRENT, CONTINUOUS.—The flow of electricity in one direction. CURRENT, ALTERNATING.—The intermittent flow in two directions. CONDUCTOR.—The wire through which the current passes. CIRCUIT, PRIMARY.—With transformers, the conductor or leads attached to the dynamo. CIRCUIT, SECONDARY.—With transformers, the conductor from the transformer to the lamps. C. P.—Abbreviation of Candle-power. E. M. F.—Abbreviation of Electro-motive force. LIFE OF INCANDESCENT LAMPS.—The duration of the filament which produces the light. POTENTIAL.—Difference of E. M. F., or High and Low-Tension.