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chimney
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chimney stacks Chimney and fireplace.
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chimney stacks
chimney stacks Chimney stacks on residences in Newcastle upon Tyne, Eng.

chimney

architecture
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History

chimney, structure designed to carry off smoke from a fireplace or furnace. A chimney also induces and maintains a draft that provides air to the fire. In western Europe before the 12th century, heating fires were almost invariably placed in the middle of a room, and chimneys were therefore rare. Most of the characteristic forms of modern chimneys originated in northern Europe, when masonry techniques were developed that allowed the construction of a hearth along...

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