Countdown to Christmas
7 - Gas Meter
- Gas, like steam, was a driver of the Industrial Revolution. In the 19th century, public gas street lighting was introduced in many cities. But there was more to it.
- What's about private households? For them you must measure consumption and pay it individually. Thanks to the gas meter people could afford effective heating and other luxuries. Much of it is no longer powered by gas, but the contribution of gas meters to the development of modern living standards remains unquestionable.
Inventor
Public gas lighting started in London 1807 based on an invention by Frenchman Philippe Lebon. But only the invention of the gas meter by the British engineer Samuel Clegg in 1815 made the use of gas for private individuals (heating, light, hot ironing etc.) possible on a grand scale.
For safety concerns, lighting Christmas trees with gas never became very widespread, although the visual effect would certainly have been most impressive. Thomas Edison therefore had an easy time when he invented the electric tree in 1882. But why shouldn't you give it a try?
