Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1850-06-27
miscellaneous.
The Greatest Discovery of the
Age,

If all that has recently been said of the
discovery, by Mr.. Henry M. Paine, of the
decomposition of water, and the production
of an infiamable, that is safe and easily
managed, and can be applied TO domestic
uses, be true, then this must attain par en-
inence, the rank we have assigned it at the
head of this article. A couple of gentle
men of this city, few days since, address
sed a letter TO Mr. Paine, making inquiries
on the subject of this gas. In reply, he,
with much courtesy, invited them to come
to Worcester, where he would be happy to
show its operation, aud give them any in
formation they might desire. On Thurs
day evening, these gentlemen visited Wur-
cester, and their report is, that they were
well repaid for their journey. They learned
from MIR. Paine that he had disposed of the
right 10 use his invention in the United
States 10 parties of gentlemen in Boston
ann New York. He was very courteous,
and gave the gentlemen all the information
he could, without infringing on the rights
Of the new proprieiors. 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 understand that steps have
been taken to secure patents in Europe,
and when secured, the right of use will be
offered for sale at a cost within the means
of all. Mr.. Paine does not claim the dis
coVery of decomposing water, which was
known sixty-iive years ago; but he does
claim the discovery of a new principle Of
electricity, by which the decomposition of
water is very rapidly produced, and a: 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 revolutionIze many
departments of modern commerce. 10 see
the purest flame, SO clear that the faIntest
tints of blue and green can be readily dis
tinguishcd, and Of such quality that the
eye is not panied in gazing on IT, certainly
speaks well for the superiority OF the light.
1t burns with an even and steady consump-
ton, about one cubic foot in three to four
hours, sufficient to light a common sized
Toom There is no smell or smoke TO the
gas. The fame is Opaque, and the power
Of the jet tremendous During the last
winter, Mr.. Paine erected lighthouse up
on hill in trout of his house, from which
he directed the rays, by reflector, to vii
lage opposite Worcester, and one mile and
sixth distant, in an air line. The light
was SO powerful, that persons in the village
could see TO read by it. Another illustra-
ton Of the character Of this light is in the
fact that an excellent daguerreotype has
been taken by il. MIR. Paine exhibited the
IL Il hpu
fourteen inches in diameter, composed OF
two circular pieces of sheet-iron, between
which flame issues, and the cold air PUSHES
in, it gives forth most delightful heat
The stove may be used for cooking, and,
In fact, for all purposes where heat and light
are required. The entire labor. required to
make days supply of gas for common
dwelling house, does not occupy Two MIN
'utes in turning a crank, and the machine
takes up about as much room as common
mantel clock. Writing upon the subject,
Elihu Burritt, the "learned blacksmith,
says There is not only saving Of ex-
.Pense. but of work, and the inconvenience
and Care Of wood, coal and ashes, and the
danger from fire almost completely annIhi-
lated. This is not supposition; we saw the
lights, followed the pipes to the cellar, ana
saw the apparatus employed for the cecom-
Position Of the water, and must say we can
hardly Gad words to express our astonisn-
mental the simplicity of the machine, when,
az the SAME time, we think Of the greatness
and grandeur of the discovery. Tins must
rank, if nnt above, certainly equal with. the
greatest discoveries and inventions OF the
age. Wood, and coal, and oil, ana na.o'
may all be dispensed with, BY the use OF mi.
Paine's apparatus" Mr.. Burritt furtnef
says" Two Jets, such as were burning Id
his house, would be sufficient to light :
moderate sized hall every night. at an ex-
pense OF the interest on the cost Of the ma
chine, (about six dollars per annan, Win
only the little trouble of occasionally hiiins
The water-cistern." 1t is understood fhat