
3 1 c m
40cm
actual image size: 32cm x 23cm
Description
Coloured satirical etching by George Cruikshank (1792-1878). The politician, Baron Brougham, is shown directing a fire-hose onto gas flames isuing from the mouth of Nelson's former captain, Thomas Cochrane, who stands on a gas container bearing the French insignia. Cochrane had proposed the use of 'noxious' gas (in 'stink vesels') as a weapon against the French during the Napoleonic wars. His father, Earl Dundonald, had been involved in the invention of gas light through his experiments on distilled tar vapours.
Image Details
Image Ref.
10316393
© Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library