The Indianapolis Leader

The electric light is not without its dangers. Some time ago a red-hot morsel of carbon dropped from one of the lamps at the British Museum to a table usually occupied by readers. Measures were at once taken to prevent the recurrence of such an accident, but not with complete success, for a few days later a similar piece of red-hot carbon fell from the central lamp to the table of the superintendent of the reading-room, upon a piece of loose paper, which began to kindle into flame. This, however, was speedily extinguished. It is conceivable that a single spark might do irretrievable damage to some unique manuscript or other priceless example of literary production. Large transparent glass or table saucers have been suspended below each lamp, so as to intercept any stray piece of carbon which may happen to fall in the future. It is even proposed to try the experiment of lighting the room from outside. in which case the glass of the central part of the dome would offer a most effectual protection.