Question 1308

When the University of Heidelberg hired Robert X in 1852, the authorities promised to build him a new laboratory building. Heidelberg had just begun to install coal-gas street lighting, so the new laboratory building was also supplied with illuminating gas. Illumination was one thing; a source of heat for chemical operations something quite different.

Previous laboratory lamps left much to be desired regarding economy and simplicity, as well as the quality of the flame for the lamp, for it was desirable to maximize the temperature and minimize the luminosity. While his building was still under construction late in 1854, X suggested certain design principles to the university’s talented mechanic, Peter Desaga, and asked him to construct a prototype. By the time the building opened early in 1855, Desaga had made fifty of these devices for X’s students. X published a description two years later, and many of his colleagues soon adopted the design.

Identify X and his device.


Answer: Robert Bunsen and the Bunsen burner.