Gas
The idea of Gas being a physical state for certain substances, was first described by the Belgian chemist - JB van Helmont (1579-1644). He was the first to define a gas's general properties, such as it having no definable boundaries and always filling the space available. He even invented the term 'gas', likening it to the Greek word 'chaos'.
The word only became commonly used in English in the 19th century. Until then, chemists would simply refer to different kinds of "air". Then the Scottish engineer William Murdoch discovered the potential of coal gas for lighting purposes. He also coined the word gasometer.
London's Pall Mall became the first street in the world to be lit by gas, in 1807. Gaslight appeared in the USA first in the city of Baltimore, in 1816. Soon, towns and cities all over the world had their own gasworks, using coal to produce the gas for lighting, heating and cooking.
Only in the early 20th century did a major switchover to electricity take place, with natural gas also replacing coal gas.
Fakenham in England and Biggar in Scotland have preserved their gasworks as industrial monuments. Similarly belonging to the past are expressions such as 'gasbag' referring to airships, representing a cul-de-sac in the development of flight.
The US English use of the word Gas to mean fuel for a vehicle is short for gasoline, a petroleum distillate that is not, strictly speaking, a truly gaseous fuel.
Gas - www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity
The word only became commonly used in English in the 19th century. Until then, chemists would simply refer to different kinds of "air". Then the Scottish engineer William Murdoch discovered the potential of coal gas for lighting purposes. He also coined the word gasometer.
London's Pall Mall became the first street in the world to be lit by gas, in 1807. Gaslight appeared in the USA first in the city of Baltimore, in 1816. Soon, towns and cities all over the world had their own gasworks, using coal to produce the gas for lighting, heating and cooking.
Only in the early 20th century did a major switchover to electricity take place, with natural gas also replacing coal gas.
Fakenham in England and Biggar in Scotland have preserved their gasworks as industrial monuments. Similarly belonging to the past are expressions such as 'gasbag' referring to airships, representing a cul-de-sac in the development of flight.
The US English use of the word Gas to mean fuel for a vehicle is short for gasoline, a petroleum distillate that is not, strictly speaking, a truly gaseous fuel.
Gas - www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity
