A long time ago I read, I don't remember where, about Walter Pater injuction "to burn
with a hard, gem-like flame". At the time, it reminded me of Bu;sen burner used in
chemistry, which when first lit has a large pale flame, until the air intake is opened,
and the oxygen mixes with the gas gives a much smaller, far hotter flame, with
a bright blue cone in the center. I took it for granted that this was the source of
his quotation. But now I think such a gas burner was not available in his life time,
or experience since it seems unlikely that he ever studied chemistry.

QUOTATION:
To burn always with this hard, gemlike flame, to maintain this ecstasy, is success in
life.
ATTRIBUTION:
Walter Pater (1839–1894), British essayist, critic. Studies in the History of the
Renaissance, “Conclusion,” (1873).

Referring to “the focus where the greatest number of vital forces unite in their purest
energy.”

Comments, please.