He again urged the firm of Boulton and Watt to take out a patent for the use of gas for lighting purposes.

But being still embroiled in their tedious and costly lawsuit, they were naturally averse to risk connection with any other patent.

Watt the younger, with whom Murdock communicated on the subject, was aware that the current of gas obtained from the distillation of coal in Lord Dundonald's tar-ovens had been occasionally set fire to, and also that Bishop Watson and others had burned gas from coal, after conducting it through tubes, or after it had issued from the retort.

Mr.Watt was, however, quite satisfied that Murdock was the first person who had suggested its economical application for public and private uses.
But he was not clear, after the legal difficulties which had been raised as to his father's patent rights, that it would be safe to risk a further patent for gas.
Mr.Murdock's suggestion, accordingly, was not acted upon.

But he went on inventing in other directions.