I was once asked by a gentleman on one of the forums I posted this on, How steam could possibly be used to cool a helmet and then got uptight when someone else explained to him how a gas powered cooler works.

I just suggested that it might be Martian technology... Some people do take things too seriously.

The Carbide lamp deserves a bit more explanation though as it is quite clever.

The lower part of the body, or generator, is filled with Calcium Carbonate and the top part, or reservoir, with water which is held in check by a valve connecting the two parts.

When the valve is opened, the water mixes with the Calcium Carbonate and reacts to form Acetylene gas and “slaked lime” (  Calcium Hydroxide ). Controlling the valve controls the flow of gas and it is then ignited with the flint striker in the reflector.

Still used up to this day by some old school cavers they provided a good ratio of light to fuel mass

Nemo’s Cabinet is part of the Lore & Saga group of websites created by Gary Waidson aka. Wayland

Everything on this site is best taken with a Pinch of Salt.