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Samples were taken, and it was shewn that a light put in it became extinguished.
The ordinary test provided by law was then used by Mr. Phillips.
A small vessel filled with petroleum was placed in a water bath made
for the purpose, and a thermometer inserted which showed a temperature
of 63° Fahrenheit was then applied, and it was thirty-six minutes reaching
the flashing point of 109° .Fahrenheit. The experiment was still
continued, until it reached the point of ignition, which was 120° in
44 5 minutes.
This was deemed highly satisfactory, as the flashing point allowed by
law is 100°.
Now the conclusions that we must come to are these: that Messrs.
Ingall & Phillips do not store any explosive products upon their premises,
that the product there is rock oil, by some called petroleum or
paraffin, and not a spirit; that this is wnignitable at an ordinary temperature,
and that it is used extensively throughout London in ordinary
lamps, and that there is, therefore, little cause for alarm, especially as
the business is conducted with the greatest possible care and under the
immediate supervision of the Metropolitan Board of Works.
Trusting this Tleport will allay any undue fears in the mind of the
public,
I remain, Gentlemen,
Yours obediently,
THOS. SA11VIS,
Medical Officer of Health.