A Review of Lighthouse Work and Economy in the United Kingdom During the Past Fifty Years ¹

Abstract

II. THE fifty years of the present reign have been distinguished with regard to lighthouse illumination by the development in this country of the beautiful dioptric system of Augustin Fresnel. In 1837, this system had been established in France fifteen years, but had only just been introduced into Britain, where the catoptric system was in full operation. Parabolic reflectors formed of facets of silvered glass were used in the Mersey lighthouses so far back as 1763, and at Kinnaird Head, in Scotland, in 1787. In 1804, perfected reflectors of silver plate rolled upon copper were used at Inchkeith, and similar reflectors have been ever since employed. To Teulère must be attributed the honour of the invention of these parabolic mirrors, in 1783. The Inchkeith Lighthouse is also notable as the first in Britain to receive a Fresnel apparatus (1835), through the exertions of Alan Stevenson, who placed the next one at the Isle of May (1836), and the third at the Start (1836). These lights were all of the first order, Start and Inchkeith being revolving, and Isle of May fixed. They were constructed by Messrs. Cookson, of Newcastle, who subsequently constructed at least a dozen others, mainly as regards the refracting portion.