Glass Plate Negative - Henderson's Patent Retort
code: LVSAV1990.088
Description
Glass plate negative of technical drawing of general arrangement of Henderson's patent retort showing longitudinal and transverse cross sections with loading and spent shale hutches, circa 1875. Scale 1/2" = 1 foot.
Box labelled "Wax Plant".
This style of retort was patented in 1873 by Norman Henderson and first employed by the Oakbank Oil Company. It used the further combustion of spent shale to heat the body of the retort, so reducing fuel costs. Henderson was subsequently general manager of the Broxburn Oil company and much of the early success of that company can be attributed to their adoption of this design of retort.
One of a series of lantern slides / glass plate negatives, thought to be used by Scottish Oils Ltd for instructional lectures