
Up: Glassmaking

Reminiscences 99 of 123
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Their richly cut, gilded, colored, and ornamental glass is considered
equal to European work.
John L. Gillerland,
late of the Brooklyn Glass-Works, is remarkably skilful in mixing metal.
He has succeeded in producing the most brilliant glass of refractory
power, which is so difficult to obtain. A gold medal was awarded his
glass, in face of European competition, at the Great International
Exhibition in London, 1852. In making rich glass, the gaffer or
foreman must understand the science of chemistry sufficiently well
to mix and purify his materials in the best possible manner, removing
all crude or foreign matter, and combining the proper substances into
a homogeneous mass. Without this practical experience and knowledge,
his glass, instead of being clear and brilliant, and of uniform color,
will be dull, and of many hues or shades. It is important also that
his personal character be such as to command the respect of the workmen.
LENSES.
Optical glasses have engaged the attention and
investigation of scientific men for centuries. We read of the wonderful
exploits of the burning lens of Archimedes, and find the remains of lenses
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