In The Lime Light

During the 19th Century it was discovered that certain substances (notably lime)  if heated to a sufficiently high temperature could produce a  brilliant white light. The discovery was first employed  by the military to signal over vast distances  but soon the theatre adopted the device  for spot lights and  its effectiveness as a magic lantern illuminant was soon exploited. A combustible gas( hydrogen, coal gas  or ether) and oxygen were employed to achieve  a high temperature causing the lime to ignite. Needless to say  this operation was dangerous in the extreme  and  many fatal accidents occurred.

Above box of limes

Above brass lime holder to keep lime blocks dry

Above Selection Of Cylinder Keys

Above Blow Through Jet

Above Gwyer Jet

Above Mix Injector Jet 1905

Above British Oxy/Hydrogen Jet