The Sun.
London, England, 1850-06-27 00:00:00

“THE GREATEST DISCOVERY OF

THE AGE.'
We find in an Atnerlcen newspaper an article under
the above title, on an alleged discovery of a new mode
of decomposing water, nod of obtaieing from it the
tneane of illumination and of heating, at a cost so
trifling as must put a stop to the use of coal! There
is frequently so much grave waggery in American
newspaper-, that we are never quite sure whether we
are reading a serious narrative or a clever joke ; but
the following article certainly does not look like a
jeu d esprit. As to the amount of truth contained in
it, we must leave our readers to judge for themselves,
merely remarking that, if it is true, the discovery is
indeed "the greatest of the age."
(From the Roque. Daily Tian.:cript of the Bth inst.)
1: all that has recieely been eel of the discovery,
Mr. Henry M. Yeitie of tie di composition of water. and
the production of an ieflemuiable gas, that is safe and
easily managed, mid can be al pied to dom. s is uses, be
true, then this must attain par eminence the rank we
have assigned it at the head of this article. A
couple cf gentlemen of this city, a few da>s since,
address, d a letter to Mr. Paine, making in,
quiries on the subject of this gas. In re ply, he
with much courtesy, invited them to come to Worcester,
where be would be happy to show its operation, and
give them any information they might desire. On
these gentlemen visited Worcester;
a''
that they were well repaid for their
journey. thern Thursdayy i ev.r report
Theeuyiilieit
' learned e d from Mr. Paine that he had dis-
posed of the right to use his invention in the United
Saes to parties of gentlemen in B ston and New York.
He was very courteous, and gave the gentlemen all the
information be could, without infringing on the rights
of the new proprietors.
A fortnight since, he would have been pleased to have
shown the entire instrument; but as the matter now
stands, he did not feel at liberty to show it. We un-
derstand that steps have been taken to secure patents in
Europe; and when secured, the right of use will be
offered tor sale at a cost within the means of all.
Mr. Paine does not claim the discovery of decom-
posing water, which was known 65 years ago; but he
does claim the discovery of a new principle of elec-
tricity, by which the decomposition of water is very
rapidly produeed at a merely nominal cost. An
hour was spent in hearing him discourse upon
the subject, and, if all he claims for the discovery is
verified, it cannot fail to revolutionise many departments
of modern commerce. To see the purest flame, so clear
that the faintest tints of blue and green can be readily
distinguished, and of such a quality, that the eye is not
pained in gazing on it, certainly speaks well fir the su-
periority of the light. It burns with an even and steady
consumption, about one cubic toot in three or four hours,
sufficient to light a common-sized room. There is no
swell or smoke to the gas. Toe flame is opaque, and
the power of the jet tremendous.
During the last winter, Mr. Paine erected a light-
house upon a hill in front of his house, from which he
directed the rays, by a reflector, to a village opposite
Worcester, and one mile and a sixth distant in an air
line. The light was so powerful, that persons in the
village could read by it.
Another illustration of the character of this light is
in the fact, that an excellent daguerreotype has been
taken by it.
Mr. Paine exhibited the stove which warmed his room.
It was about 14 inches in di.ecat,,r, composed of two
circular pieces of sheet iron. between which a flame
issues, and the cold air rushing in, it gives forth a most
delightful heat. The stove may be used for cooking,
and in feet for all purposes, where heat and light are
required. The entire labour required to make a day's
supply of gas for a coalmen dwelliug-house does not
occupy two minutes in turning a crank; and the ma-
chine takes up about as much room as a common mantel
cluck.
Writing noon this subject, Elihu 13urritt, the learned
blacksmith,s l/ s :—" Teere it tiot only a saving of expense,
but of work, and the inconvenience and cane of wood,
tied, and ashes, and the danger from fire almost com
pletelt annihilated. This is not ,uppe,idee; We saw
the lights, followed the pipes to the cedar, and saw the
apptv a'us employed for the decomp of the water;
and must say we can hardly find words to express our
astonishment at the simplicity of the machine, when at
the slain time we think of the greatness and grandeur
of the discovery. This must rank, it not above, cer-
tainly tgeal, with the grainiest discoveries and inven-
tions of the age. Wood, and cost, and oil, and fluid,
may all be dispensel with, by the use of Mr. Paine'.
apparatus."
Mr. Burt itt further says :—" Two jets such as were
burning iu his bus., would be sufficient to light a mu-
oerately siz d ha'l every nigh', at an expease of the iu-
terest on tne cost of the machine (about six dollars per
annum). aiih oily the little trouble of occasionally fill-
ing the cistern."
It is understood that Mr. Paine has disposed of his
proprietor) right to his discovery ler a sum, which may
at first seem incredible; but a imiresn.'s consideration
will show that the purchasers will have got a good bar-
vin if all that is said of the capabiliee- and cheapness
of the light can be established. rhe terms of purchase
are reported to be five millions of dollars, halt is million
do we.
Mr. Paine is expecting a visit from the committee on
gas of our city government at Worcester, to look into
,his matter.