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See Cautery.

The so-called thermoc.; an apparatus founded on the property possessed by platinum, when heated red hot, of remaining incandescent as long as the vapor of a hydrocarbon is projected upon it. A hollow piece of platinum, varying in shape according to the purpose in view, is attached to a tube connected with a reservoir of benzin, the vapor of which is pumped into the hollow of the piece of platinum by means of a hand bulb.

An apparatus consisting of a hollow platinum tip, in the shape of a knife or button, which is heated to redness by forcing into it benzin vapor mixed with air and ignited. [Claude Andre Paquelin, Parisian physician, born 1836.]