The story of Sir Benjamin Thompson & his principles of fireplace design which have remained unchanged for 174 years. He was an American genius of equal stature in science & invention to Benjamin Franklin. He established the basic principles of fireplace design in 1795, which have remained unchanged since that time. This book sets forth the basic principles, with drawings, & gives designs that can be used to make masons build fireplaces the right way & the handsome way. Includes a short sketch of Rumford's life, which has been neglected by historians. Compares Rumford's work with Benjamin Franklin's speculations on fireplaces.