A patent has been taken out by Mr. Lamb, for the invention of an apparatus for rendering salt water perfectly fresh and pure by distillation. -- The apparatus is attached to a new constructed ship's fire-hearth; and it is said that, while a fire-hearth fitted on this principle, proportioned to the size of a 50-gun ship, produces 25 gallons of fresh water per hour, without the slightest interruption to cooking, it effects a saving of one-fourth the consumption of fuel.
In consequence of certain experiments which have been made on board his Majesty's ship Trusty, the invention has received the approbation of the Lords of the Admiralty. Captain Hodgson, of the Trusty, before whom the experiments were made, states that the fire-hearth fully answers all its intended purposes; that he feels no hesitation in saying that the invention will be attended with the greatest utility to the navy in general; that it consumes a considerably less quantity of fuel, and that the coppers boil in one third less time than by any mode before employed; that it produces fresh water from sea water at the rate of from sea water at the rate of from 20 to 25 gallons per hour; and that the water is as good, if not better, than any he ever drank at sea.
Transcribed by Lars Bruzelius
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