Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-07-15
A New Motive Power.

A New Motive Power.
We have been aware for some time past that
Prof. Sslolnon was engaged in our city construct
ing his patent 'Sulph. Oil Carbonio Acid En-
gine,' and that his prospects of success were
highly encouraging. He was aided in this en-
terpriSe by some of our most opulent and intelli-
gent citizens, who, seeing the ultimate practic-
ability of his invention, did not hesitate to fur
nish means enabling him to reach the desired
and we are happy to obeleve-fortunate consum-
nation. More than ten years has the Professor
labored upon his favorite theme of the mechan-
ical and scientific genius occasionally encounter.
ing difficulties, but by close application and un.
bending enterprise, he finally found his efforts
crowned with abundant success. That which
to him appeared certain in theory, consonant
with mechanical laws and philosophic principles,
has at last been outwrought and practically dem
onstrated-so far, at least, as our Judgment goes
after seeing and judging for ourselves-admit-
ting not evenof doubt as to its complete triumph.
We called yesterday afternoon, much to our
qualification, and saw the engine in full, success
full operation, where it had been working, with.
out interruption, several days, in Cypress Alley,
between Pratt and Lombard streets. This en.
gine, being merely model, or experimental one,
has, of course, some imperfections, and may be
greatly improved, but it worked with remark
able precision and regularity. 1t is calculated
for four horse power, being a common rectilen.
ial or reciprocating steam engine, differing in no
material feature from those in general use. The
patent novelty consists in the motive power and
application, which wholly supersedes steam.-
This motor is produced by compound of de.
sulphiated bi. sulphuret of carbon, coal tar, and
volatile or fixed oil, which, under certain infu.
ences of heat becomes powerfully expansive and
thus gives momentum. Though only a four
horse engine, it was performing the estimated
duty of ten horses, and has been so doing since
put into operation, nearly fortnight ago.
The great virtues and triumph of this wonder.
full invention, which, in all probability will cause
q revolution in mechanics, are its economy, safe
ty and power, combining also, cheapness and
convenience.
The fluid or gas, constituting the motive pow.
er, is, used over and over again with scarcely
any diminution or waste, being thrown, after
performing its work from the heater to the con-
denser, and from the condenser to the heater o.
gain, with thorough renovation. The heater
where the gas or fluid is introduced, is submer-
ged in cisrern of heated oil, kept hot by gen.
tie fire. In this condition the gas expands, gain.
ing its power, and passing through pipes and
valves, acts upon the piston, giving motion to
tile engine. The appliances are simple, easy of
comprehension, free from complication, and not
subject to accident or disarrangement Thus q
steady, active force is at all times kept up.
The cost of this fluid is estimated at ten cents
per gallon, and it is demonstrated that eighteen
gallons, by careful attention, will run an engine
Of the capacity here noticed for one year. Its
eomponents are such as not to freeze, even at
ninety degrees below zero. The amount of fuel
is, in proportion of fifteen pounds of coal to
one hundred pounds, compared with steam
engine of the same size, whilst more than double
the force can be brought into requis;tion. The
engine, which we saw in operation, has q piston
of 10 inches stroke, crank six inches. 1t was
doing the service of ten horse power under break
of q wheel feet in diameter, feet II 1.2 inches
in circumference, pressed between two bars, one
on each side, and friction block on each bar Of
1-2 inches in length and IA inches in width.
on an iron rim of 1-2 inches, under a weight
of 112 pounds, making 80 revolutions per min
ute.
To those versed in mechanics this will indicate
the engines capacity, or the power applied there
to by the wonderful agency. The heat causing
the result here noticed was only 236 fahrenheit,
or 60 pounds working power under exhaustion,
and an atmospheric pressure of Is pounds ad-
verse, which adds that much to the active agent.
By trial with steam in the same proportions,
under similar condition, with 267 degrees of
heat, the amount of pressure was only % pounds
to the square inch and when tested the engine
moved but slightly and stopped. Thus there is
clearly demonstrated an almost incredible su-
periority or advantage, of this new moter, in it's
application over steam. Besides the advantages
above noticed, we are told-and, indeed, it be-
comes apparent to practical or scientific obser.
vers-that explosion is impossible and thus
momentous point is gained in obviating all dam
ger. A number of scientific gentlemen and prac-
tical machinists have witnessed the operations
of this engine, all of whom were much pleased
and confident of its ultimate success.
Seeing, therefore, as we have seen, the abso-
lutte unmistakable, practical working and tri.
umph of this great invention of the age, destin-
ed, percbance, at no distant day, to supersede
steam, we feel no hestancy in predicting its fu.
ture success, aud would not be astonished at its
producing an epoch and revolution prominently
marked in the worlds history. Ifso, John G.
F. Salomon Professor of Mathematics and Civil
Engineering, its inventor, will rank deservedly
among the worlds immortalized inventors, and
Baltimore reap her share of merited applause for
encouraging him. Professor Solomon was born
in Prussia, and has been a citizen of the United
States over twenty-seven years.-Balt. Patriot,
10Th.