The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1850-03-21


Some months ago, the result of some
experiments by Henry NJ. Paine, in pro-
ducing light from water, was given. Of
which most important things were
anticipated. We now find in the WASH
ington Union, the following article refer
ring to it, which is highly interesting !:
An IMPORTANT INvENrIoN.-The fol-
lowing communication was handed to
Us by the author, Rufus Porter. ESQ.,,
who is we'll known to US as the former
editor of the Scientific American, and
rs man well versed in a knowledge
of the arts and inventions. He is man
of superior intelligence and of great
honesty of character, and we do not
hesitate to say, that any fact stated upon
his own knowledge may be relied upon
implicitly. We do not know whether
all the great results which he antici-
pates from the invention which he
describes can be realized; but he has
stated to US some remarkable facts, the
results OF his own experiments, which
would seem to justify the anticipations
in which he INDUCES. Ifthe invention
shall turn out to be what the inventors
now promise themselves it will be. il is
certainly most wonderful discovery.
and will create a new era in the arts
and in civilization:
WASHINGTON, Dec. %. ls49.
Messrs Editors| am authorized to
announce the discovery and practical
test Of the most important scientific in
vention ever yet produced or brought to
light since the world has been inhabited
by man-an invention which must
eventually, and almost Immediately,
produce an immense revolution in the
commercial intercourse and business
in general throughout the world; and,
although it will break down and ruin
many of the most important branches of
business and avenues Of wealth, with
hundreds Of wealthy corporations and
business establishments, yet it will build
up thousands of others, and contribute
hundreds of millions to the benefit Of
mankind, especially to the American
community.
The FIRST and main feature and founda-
ton Of this invention, and which at once
opens field for hundreds of other in
ventions. is the discovery by Henry Nj.
Paine, Esq, of a ready and almost
sxpenseless mode of decomposing water
and reducing it to the gaseous state. By
the simple operation of a very small
machine, without galvanic batteries, or
the consumption of metals or acids, and
only the application of less Than one
three-hundredth u-3OOth) part Of one
horsepower. Mr.. Paine producess 200
cubic feet Of hydrogen gas, and 100
feet Of oxygen gas per hour. This
quenity Of these gases, (the actual cost
Of which is less than one cent will
furnish as much heat by combustion as
1000 feet Of the ordinary coal gas, and
sufficient to supply light equal to three
common lamps for ten hours
or to warm an ordinary dwelling house
twelve hours including the requisite
heat for one horsepower of steam. This
has been tested BY six months'
applied to the lighting Of
houses, and recently the applicability
Of theoo gases 70 the warming tf houses
has also been tested with perfectly
satistactory results. A steam engine
furnace and . parlor stove, both adapted
70 the burning of these gases, have
been Invented, and measures taken for
securing patents therefor.
Mr.. Paine has ono Of his machinea
new and elegant now in full operation
and publicly exhibited, and may be ex-
pected to exhibit the same in this city
within twenty days The only actual
expense Of warming houses BY this
apparatus Is that of winding up ! weight
like the winding up of clock once
; day and the heat produced may be
Is easily graduated and regulated as
the fame Of q common gas-burner. No
smoke whatever is produced. but very
small quantity of steam, sufficient to
supply the requisite moisture to the at
mosphere. Ia it application to the
production Of steam power, il will reduce
The expense thereof 70 tho more wear of
machinery, and viii Immediately pro
duce an, immense demand for steam
engines and induce the establishment
pf thousands Of manufacturing mills,
reduce de- expense uf trlvelling, and
incfeass the demand for agricultural
prodnce While Il ruins the coal and eos
business and such manufacturing e6iab-
lishments - depend on monopoly and
hiRh nric04. TE4s invention. mofSaovAr.