Gas and Electricity in Paris

Abstract

SINCE the Jablochkoff light was established for the first time in the Avenue de l'Opera, it may be said that there has been in Paris a regular competition between gas and electricity. The “Compagnie Parisienne d'Eclairage et de Chauffage” by gas is certainly one of the largest in existence, as it possesses every gas-work in Paris, and almost every one in the vicinity. A system of subterranean pipes and valves connects all these establishments, so that gas generated in Courcelles can be sent to any part of the city and suburbs if required. All these different works were conducted as separate establishments before the fusion which took place in 1854, under the auspices of the then existing Imperial Government. Two of these establishments are worthy of note—La Villette, as being the largest, the site of experimental and chemical work, and Vaugirard, where the retorts are warmed by the Siemens' heat-generating process.