The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-04-29

lcIIu WOulu SiFe ~ ioCo UAoto'SA " 49,
principles upon which it is constructed, OF
even Of how it is proposed to apply it. II
is based upon the well-known fact thst
electricity, in passing through 8 conductor
Of insufficient capacity, (such, for instance,
as wire of very small diameter, evolves
or develops heat. Upon this principle, in
fact, are mines, torpedoes, and sometimes
blasts, exploded. It is also well known
that strong current Of electricity cannot
be sent through small wire Of great
length without difficulty and loss for as
the wire becomes heated, its non-conduc-
tivity, as it is called by electricians, is in
creased, and finally the heat becomes so
great the wire will be fused.
These facts being familiar to DR.. Burton,
he has obviated the difficulties by his in
vention, which is an electrical conducting
coil or chain made up of alternate o6struc-
t;ons and free conductors, the latter also
constituting reservoirs Of electricity and
radiators of heat. A powerful current Of
electricity may be sent through any. length
Of this coil or chain without fusingit; for as
fast as the heat is developed at the points of
obstruction it is taken up and radiated by
the free conductors-now acting as radia-
tors. Now, it is simply by arranging this
chain in some compact form that hest may
be accumulated for practical purposes. For
instance, in applying it for warming rail-
road cars the coil is arranged in trays,
which are placed under the feet Of passen-
gers, the coil beipg protected by metallic
plates which become heated by radiation
from the coil and by means of magnetic
electric machine, construc ted especially for
the purpose, and worked by the arle of the
Car, the requisite current is obtained.
While the inventor is not restricted in the
use of any particular kind of electricity in
applying his invention, it is easy to COM
prehend that where motive power already
eSists, as in case of railroad cars, machine
shops, &C., what great advantages the mag
net machine possesses over all others in
point Of economy. By connecting it with
the hind wheel of any sort of yehicle-such
as pleasure carriages, for instance--a COM
Portable warmth may be had while it is in
motion and it is believed the rationl of
an army may be cooked while on the march
This coil or chain will bear constant heat
of 800 degrees without becoming oxidized !;
but as only about l20 degrees is required
for this application of it, and as there is no
wear or tear on it, it is supposed it would
last fol all time. AS regards the mag
net machine, there is no friction
except at the points where the
helices revolve; and if in time the
magnets should become weakened, they can
easily be taken apart and recharged. A
patent has been allowed for this invention
in the United States, and the necessary
steps have been taken to secure its protec-
tion in foreign countries; and it appears to
Us, in view of the safety and economy of
this method Of producing heat and of the
fact that in the course of time some substi-
tuition must be made for fuel,-the supply
of which in some countries is rapidly fail
ing-the attention Of not only scientific
men but of economists will be attracted
by it. Already some of the most distin-
guished men of science in this country
have examined DR.. Burton's invention, and
have declared it most useful and practi-
cal one. We trust that, being put in the
hands of proper parties, its uses may be
properly appropriated, and that this valua-
Bile invention of one Of Riohmond's most
excellent citizens may prove source of
remuneration to himself as well as Of COM
| fort to his felloW-beings.