Up on the stage now was a lectern flanked by a pair of gas lamps with Welsbach mantles, at which stood a tall individual in workmen's overalls, identified presently as the traveling Anarchist preacher the Reverend Moss Gatlin.
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"Welsbach mantles"
Prior to the invention of the gas mantle, lamps were lit with open flames which were not the most efficient means to light an area. A gas mantle is that cloth mesh which covers the flame in something like a Coleman lantern. It's basically fabric infused with metals, soft before use but becomes brittle after the first use. The metals become incandescent while the mesh covering keeps the flame low.
The point being that a gas mantle both controls and amplifies light in a simple, safe, and effective way. It's a stepping stone between fire and electricity as light sources. And its inventor, Carl Auer von Welsbach, created several other lighting innovations, such as the metal-filament light bulb and the lighting flint, still used in cigarette lighters today. Seeing as how light and man's use of technology to control (and often destroy) his environment are pertinent themes to the book, I thought dropping the name "Welsbach" was important.
"in workmen's overalls"
The Reverend obviously wants to come across as just one of the common Joes in the work force.
"traveling Anarchist preacher"
I wouldn't mind having this job description.
"Reverend Moss Gatlin"
The "Reverend" adds an air of moral authority to his title. "Moss" represents how his words and ideas will grow on you. "Gatlin" is reminiscent of "Gatling" which probably means his words come rapid fire and are dangerous. I'm certain his beliefs will be quite scary to the status quo. His words are weapons to be used for battle. This isn't going to be a peaceful sermon, I suppose.
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