For the formation of the sulphuric acid it is necessary to introduce sulphurous anhydride, steam, air, and nitric acid, or some oxide of nitrogen, into the chambers. The sulphurous anhydride is produced by burning sulphur or iron pyrites. This is carried on in the furnace with four hearths to the left of the drawing. Air is led into the chambers and furnace through orifices in the furnace doors. The current of air and oxygen is regulated by opening or closing these orifices to a greater or less extent. The ingoing draught in the chambers is brought about by the fact that heated gases and vapours pass into the chambers, whose temperature is further raised by the reaction itself, and also by the remaining nitrogen being continually withdrawn from the outlet (above the tower K) by a tall chimney situated near the chambers. Nitric acid is prepared from a mixture of sulphuric acid and Chili saltpetre, in the same furnaces in which the sulphurous anhydride is evolved (or in special furnaces). Not more than 8 parts of nitre are taken to 100 parts of sulphur burnt. On leaving the furnace the vapours