Page:A Letter on the Subject of the Cause (1797).djvu/26

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[ 17 ]

all around them. Vegetable oils are equally inapplicable, and if applied muſt be injurious to the working of the Engine. As they are compoſed of volatile and fixed matter, the volatile part would, as in the foregoing caſe, be at leaſt diſtilled and go off with the ſteam into the condenſer; and the fixed or reſinous part would ſo corrode and clog the Engine, as to ſet it quite faſt and render it uſeleſs in a ſhort time, and this defect could not be remedied or repaired without totally diſorganizing the machine, which in works of great magnitude, where the proceſs of a Mine or Manufactory depends upon it, would be attended with an expence of ſome hundred pounds: as your Lordſhip will clearly ſee the whole muſt be ſtopped during ſuch an uncertain period.

All kinds of wax and reſinous ſubſtances, including all the gums, &c. would very obviouſly have a more ſpeedy and worſe effect than the oils. It is therefore unneceſſary to ſay more on this part of the ſubject.

In the center, and next in order ſtands Animal Fat; but in the uſual indefinite manner without ſpecifying what Animal; not Sheep’s Fat which has been recommended in preference,

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