Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1850-12-28
The Paine Light,


We have been frequently asked Of late,
"What about the Paine ligLt?" This qucs-
ton has come to us across the great Atlantic,
from many persons in Europe Interested in
this wonderful discovery; and it has been
put to us in writing by friends dwelling far
away within the borders Of this land. We
mean to answer those questions now. The
storm of cnvious defamation, dctrnction, and
graluitous vilupcratiOn, which so suddenly
sprung up upon the announcement OF Mr..
Paine's discovery, did, as is well known, as
suddenly cease. The energy of that com
motion soon exhausted itself, leaving the
validity of Mr. Puine's claims as an inventor
untouched, and not in the least damaging
that gcntlemun's reputation, or disturbing
the confidence of those intimately ucqtlaint-
cd with lis discovery. During the lull
which has succeeded, Mr.. Paine's partners
have been actively engaged in securing pat
ent rights in Europe aud at home; and as
that protracted process OF protection 10 I'M
ventors draws to its legitimate end, the ne
ccssity for secrecy somewhat relaxes, and
MIR. Paine finds himself at liberty 10 eX-
plain more fully the character of his grand
invention.
We had the honor of visiting Mr. Paino's
laboratory n few days since and with his
characteristic urbuuty and unequiyocul can
dor, that gentleman showed aud explained
To us every attribute and operation of this
discovery, which has stirred the ire, wonder
aud dslrust of the whole world. Mr.. Paine
does not profess or claim TO have made any
) Original discovery. He modestly repudiates
such an assumption. Water has been de-
composed by electricity before he did so
: lc says; and hydrogen gas has been carbur'
, retcd and burned. But he claims TO have
! found mode of decomposing an infinite
! amount Of hydrogen, and of rendering II III
flammabe at almost nominal expense.
We are certain that Mr.. Paine is able Il
5 do what ho PROCESSES. We have oXamlnet
G model machine in his laboratory: and W.
II have satisfied ourself that it was an isolatcC
G machine, having not the most distapt con
ncction with those mysterious pipes and ga
= conductors, that one "Scence" and othe
q knowing ones, conceived TO be in the decI
s bottom of his cellar buried! We have eX
G amined the conductors, which were led from
Z this machine TO the gas generator, Immersed
3 in transparent jar of water; and we ar
l. certain that they were just solid strips o
o copper, aud nothing more or less. By on
G own hand we set the electrical machine II
Q operation and the electricity thus produced
10 hping conducted TO the generating vessel i
d the water jar, and escaping in regular pu
y saions, ahundanty detached hydrogen ga
AZ from the water, which rose in bubbles 10 tll
ie surface, and then filed the vacuum leit j
'e the jar. The hydrogen gas passed then int
u brass tube, leading to the carbnrelting ve'
sci, thence into the pipe al the end OF whic
H. it was consumed. We lighted the gas, uIl
III so long MS we kept the machine in motion,
no burnt with clear, steady flame; when "
I" ceased 10 operate, the flame tlickered an
died. These are mere general facts whc
we could support, il that were necessary, !
CO the clearest analysis of the whole process
= We could describe in detail the simple tnI
", Chine, aud our explanations would convinC
MS any tolerahle mechanic aud chemist that III
he discovery must be genuine. In a few sho
e. weeks, however, the light will show forth i
ng own glory, and dispel the temporary dark
le ness that, for sufficient reasons, at presel
no slIrouds il.
"a Mr. Paine is engaged in completing
Ial splendid machine, which is to be eXhibite
d. at the great Worlds Exposition in 1851
IN We trust that this eminent and most indie
ly fatigable mechanic will there be crowne
n with the laurel which we believe he deserve
or to weaE-C Christian Citizen.