Politics:

Presumably Hannah Arendts political theories implicitly rely on the fiction
of free will. More persuasive to me is B.F.Skinner's naturalistic assertion
that human action is the resultant of character, herd instinct, and compelling
environmental factors. This creates a framework perspective for social and
political theory which is potentially very fruitful, revealing, productive.
Will is a quasi religious concept, inasmuch as the world is the result of
willful actions on the part of God.

Thoughts about Chimneys:

A. Legal and administrative issues.

1. My assumption there are no applicable state or town regulations may be
tested 
a) by search of laws, codes and regulations
b) by inquiry of uninvolved heating installers, such as Cubby Oil Co. 
   which supplies me with fuel oil.
c) by inquiry of contractors who install furnaces, e.g. Home Depot
d) by formal inquiry of Nantucket authorities.

2. There is a risk that the Historic District Commission would require
removal of a metal chimney which protruded the above the silhouette of the 
roof to the height prescribed by the manufacturer. If you wish, we can 
discuss your options about managing this risk.

3. Even though no license is required for the installation of a metal
chimney, there is a risk that the Building Inspector, and or the fire
department will refuse to approve a chimney 
a) which has not been installed by a contractor,
b) which is not specified on the approved construction plans. 
If you wish, we can discuss your options about managing this risk.

B. Construction issues:

1. The unused 3" PVC vent may:

a) be abandoned, by
    i) glueing onto its upper end a cap, and
   ii) blocking its descent into the (inaccessible) attic
       with a clamp applied immediately above the roof shingles
   (Both the cap and the clamp are quite inexpensive, and I will
    bring both to have them available.)

b) be preserved for possible future use as a chimney for a gas-fired
   furnace, boiler or fireplace, by
      i) extending it into the 2nd floor closet
     ii) extending it through the 2nd floor closet
         into the 1st floor closet
    iii) extending it into the basement
           1) through the wet wall between the bathrooms, (if feasible)
           2) through the closets
           3) through the 1st and 2nd floor living spaces
              as inconspicuously as possible.
    I have not investigated the required clearance, if any,
    from adjacent combustible material.

2) The Hart & Cooley 7"-9" Rain Cap already installed may:
   a) be abandoned
       i) as is, without modification
      ii) if necessary to prevent rain infiltration
          by covering it with a waterproof plastic bag
          (such as is used for tents and sleeping bags.)

   b) be preserved for possible future use to vent a gas or oil fired
      furnace or boiler, or a wood burning fireplace by
       i) extending it into the 2nd floor closet
      ii) extending it into the 1st floor closet
     iii) extending it into the basement.
  
3) A high efficiency horizontally vented gas-fired heating system might be 
   installed now or in the future after and occupancy permit has been secured
   with such assistance from a heating contractor as may be required
   by us or by the Town.

4) The 3" PVC vent and the Hart & Cooley Rain Cap might be abandoned now,
   (see 1a) and 2a) above) with the plan to obtain an occupancy permit and
   to use the insulated but centrally unheated house with space heaters.
   If with year-round occupancy, the need for central heating became
   apparent, I would install either 3) above, or electric baseboards
   in those rooms in which heating was required.

Option 4.3) seems to me optimal, both financially and with a view to making 
the house habitable as soon as possible; but I will try to help you as best
I can with whatever process you choose.
   
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