It is of interest to consider what must be the physical condition of the gas at these high temperatures. All the hydrocarbons which are afterward condensed must then be in the condition of gases having various degrees of condensability, mixed with and rendered visible by a cloud of carbon particles or soot. If this soot could be removed from the gas at this stage without reducing the temperature, we should probably have no thick tar or pitch, but only comparatively light-colored oils; and it might possibly lead to an entirely different mode of conducting the process of condensation. These are a few of the subjects on which it is extremely desirable that we should possess that complete information which can only be obtained by well-directed investigations with different materials and under varying conditions. There are many others in connection with carbonization and purification which might be mentioned; but I think I have said sufficient to show the necessity that exists for more minute investigation and research. Investigations such as are here indicated do not involve any large expenditure of money; but they do require care and intelligence to prevent errors being made. Experiments should not be condemned as defective because the results differ from old-established theories; yet when this does happen, it is in all cases better to suspect the new experiment rather than the old theory, until the results have been fully established.--_Wm. Foulis, Journal of Gas Lighting._ * * * * * THE LARGEST BLACK ASH FURNACE IN THE WORLD. The Widnes Alkali Company have recently erected an enormous revolving black ash furnace, which is 30 ft. in length and has a diameter of 12 ft. 6 in. The inside length is 28 ft. 6 in., with a diameter of 11 ft. 4 in. The furnace is lined with 16,000 fire bricks and 120 fire-clay breakers, each weighing 11/4 cwt. The weight of salt cake per charge, i.e., contained in each charge of salt cake, limestone, mud, and slack, is 8 tons 12 cwt. For 110 tons of salt cake charged there are also used about 100 tons of lime mud and limestone and 55 tons of mixing slack. The total amount of salt cake decomposed weekly is about 400 tons, which may be calculated to yield 240 tons of 60 per cent caustic soda. There is claimed for this massive furnace an economy in iron plate, in expense on the engine power and on fuel consumed, as well as on wear and tear.--_Watson Smith, in Industries._ * * * * * THE STATUE OF PHILIP LEBON.