| 词汇 | rumford stove |
| 词源 | Rumford stove. Before Benjamin Thompson, Count Rum- ford (1753–1814), invented his “kitchen range” most housewives prepared meals in open fireplaces. But the Rumford stove was among the least of the count’s accomplishments. Rumford led a remarkable life. The Massachusetts-born philanthropist fought for the British during the Revolution, leaving his wife, a wealthy widow 14 years his senior, and a baby daughter in New Hamp- shire. After serving as British undersecretary of state and being elected to the Royal Society, he entered the Bavarian civil and military service in 1783. Here he effected numerous reforms, including a reorganization of the army and the education of the poor. It is said that in one day he had 2,600 beggars arrested and sent to a Munich workhouse he had planned, where they were taught to support themselves. It was in this workhouse that the Rumford stove was invented, the wood- or coal- burning range proving so efficient that Rumford was commis- sioned to build similar cast-iron models for many aristocrats of the day. |
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