The Massachusetts Spy

We are informed, that great improvement hath lately been made in the method of illuminating light-houses, by an invention of the hon. Henry Newton, Esq. of Halifax, Nova-Scotia. In the former method the oil decreasing left the wick dry, which of course occasioned a faint light; the smoke also darkened the glass, and obscured the light: To remedy which fountain lamps are constructed that burn 20 hours without any seeming decrease of oil; by which means the wick has the oil floating constantly to it, and wants no snuffing (at most but once in a night) and is so contrived, that the waste oil falls back into the fountain. And to keep the glasses clean, tin funnels, somewhat in the shape of speaking trumpets, hang over each lamp, and pass through the roof of the lanthorn, with raised caps of tin upon them, to prevent rain or snow falling down. By this means the attendant at the light-house has only to light the lamps in the evening, and they burn bright all night; whereas formerly the lamps wanted to be supplied two or three times in a night, and snuffed every hour; and the glass could not possibly be kept clean from smoke. —Each lamp has three spouts which run into a basin at the bottom of the fountain, and thereby keep the oil so warm, that it never chills while they are burning. —Another advantage is, that they burn a less quantity of oil than the others. —The Halifax Light-House is lately altered upon the above plan, and is now acknowledged by all masters of vessels to exhibit a remarkable bright and constant light.