Section 70
No. 70. Figures made to dance by Fire on an Altar.
WHEN a fire is kindled on an altar, figures
shall be seen to dance: for the altars must be transparent, either of
glass or horn. Through the hearth of the altar (fig. 70), a tube is
let down turning on a pivot towards the base of the altar, and, above,
on a small pipe which is attached to the hearth. Communicating
with, and attached to, this tube are smaller tubes lying at right angles
to each other, and bent at the extremities in opposite directions. A
wheel or platform on which the dancing figures stand, is also fastened
to the tube. When the sacrifice is kindled, the air, growing hot, will
pass through the pipe into the tube, and be forced out of this into the
smaller tubes; when, meeting with resistance from the sides of the
altar, it will cause the tube and the dancing figures to revolve.
Section 71.
Index.