Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1852-12-08
DISCOVERIES OF THE LAST HALF-CENTURY.-

There has been no period since the commence
ment of the world in which so many important
discoveries, tending to the benefit of mankind
were made as in the last half-century. Some.
Of the most wonderful results of human intel
lect have been witnessed in the last fifty years.
Some Of the grandest conceptions ofgenius have
been perfected. 1t is remarkable how the mind
of the world has run into scientific investigation
and what achievements it has effected in that
short period. Before the year 1900, there was
not single steamboat in existence, and the ap-
plication of steam to machinery was unknown.
Fulton launched the first steamboat in 1907
Now there are three thousand steamboats, trav-
ersing the waters of America, and the time saved
in travel is equal to seventy per cent. The riv-
ers Of every country in the world nearly, are
traversed by steamboats, In 1900 there was
not single railroad in the world. In the Uni
ted States alone there is now S797 miles of rail-
road costing $286,O00000 to build, and about
$4,000 miles of railroad in England and Ameri-
ca. The locomotive will now travel in as many
hours, a distance which in 1900 required as ma
ny days to accomplish. In 1900 it took weeks
to convey intelligence between Philadelphia and
New Orleans now it can be accomplished in
minutes through the electric telegraph, which
only had its beginning in 1S43. Voltaism was
discovered in March, 1900; the electromagnetic
in 1921. Electrotyphing was discovered only a
few years ago. Hoes printing press, capable of
printing 10000 copies an hour, is very recent
discovery, but of the most important character.
Gas light was unknown in l800 now every city
and town of any pretence are lighted with it,
and we have the announcement of still great
er discovery, by which light, heat, and motive
power may be produced from water, with scarce
ly any cost Daguerre communicated to the
world his beautiful inven' ion in 1889. Gun cot
ton and choroform are discoveries of but few
years old. Astronomy has added number of
new planets to the solar system. Agricultural
chemistry has enlarged the domain of knowl.
edge in that important branch Of scientific re-
search, and mechanics have increased the facli-
ties for production, and the means of accomplish
ing an amount of labor which far transcends the
ability of united manual effort to accomplish
The triumphs achieved in this last branch of dis
covery and invention are enough TO mark the
last half-century as that which has most contrib
uted to augment personal comforts, enlarge the
enjoyments, and add to the blessings of man.
What will the next halfcentury accomplish 3
We may look for still greater discoveries for
the intellect of man is awake exploring every
mine of knowledge, and searching for useful in.
formation in every department Of art and indus
try. philadelphia Ledger
The Love Of spirited woman is stronger
and better worth having than that Of any other
female individual you can start. Elk. paper
wish / had known that before I'd have
pucked up little spirit if it had most killed me,
and not have gone trembling through creation
like pucked chicken afraid of every animal
ran a-tovl Of havn't dared to say my soul
was my own since the day was married, and
every time Mr. Fern came into the entry and set
down that great cane of his with thump, you
might have heard my teeth chatter down cellar.
| always keep one eye on him in company, to
see if am saying the right thing; and the mid
die of a sentence is the place for me to stop II
can tell you] if his black eye snaps! 1t is so
aggravating to find out my mistake at this time
of day. ought to have set up my Ebenezer
and carried stiff upper lip, long ago. Wonder
if lille women can look dignifed? Wonder
how 'twould do to turn right straight about now!
I'll try it.
Harry will come home presently, and thunder
out as usual, Fanny, why the deuce isn't din.
ner ready?" I'll just set my teeth together, put
my arms a-kimbo, and look him straight-oh
mercy! / can't / should dissolve There
would be nothing left of me but a sugar plum
You might pick me up in teaspoon! Bless
your soul, he's sixfooter; such whiskers [none
of your sham settlements. Such eyes; and
such q NICE mouth. Come to think of it,
really believe / love him. Guess I'll Jog along
the old way FANNY FERN.
HORRIBLE DUEL IN CALIFoRNIA.-By the San
ia Clara Register we are informed Of the follow.
ing particulars of duel which came off in San
ia Clara county last week, near Gilroy's ranch
and which in ferocity and desperation, we fine
| M paroIlal FOR IN tho State II ooonrra1 ooys