Wright

This appeal is by the defendant from the judgment and an order denying its motion for a new trial. The defendant is a corporation engaged in the business of refining lubricating and illuminating oils, and in November, 1895, the defendant was in its employ as a “stillman,” and while so employed received personal injuries, and prosecutes this action to recover damages therefor. Upon the premises of defendant there were eight small vats or stills which were operated by the plaintiff. These stills are circular, are seven feet in diameter and about five feet high. They rest on a brick foundation three or four feet high, and are inclosed with brick, forming a jacket. The bottom of the still is formed of a sheet of steel riveted to the base of an angle iron, and the sides are riveted to the perpendicular part, thus forming a vat shaped like a tub, the top, or cover, having a manhole, through which access may be had to the inside. About eighteen inches below the bottom is a grate upon which coke is placed, and where the fire, fed by an oil spray, bums. These stills are filled with petroleum to within about a foot of the top. The oil is heated to a high temperature, and the vapors are…