The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-04-02
Practical Uses of Science.

. practical men, frequently ask the ques-
ton, What is the use of scientific study
They have accustomed themselves to regard
those far-reaching investigations among the
heavenly bodies, which astronomers are every
year making more extensive and minute,
those exactlDg analytical processes of the
chemists, those delvings among the igneous
and the aqueous rocks, and the fossils which
the biologists are carrying on, as having no
real bearing upon material interests. The
Scientific american collects few facts show
ing what has actually been realized from
some of the apparently most recondlte
researches, which will go far to cause these
practical men" to reconsider their judy
ment:
"Newton's analysis of light, by passing a
beam through prism, was discovery OF
no apparent value at the time it was made.
The spectrum was very beautiful to look
upon, but few persons could understand or
appreciate it. No one could have anticipated
that shis was the germ of a method which
would gradually lead to the discovery of new
metal of our earth; to study of the atmos
phere, of the sun aud planets; that minute
quantities of substances would be detected
by it in mineral waters and rocks; that steel
would be manufactured by watching the light
produced by burning gases; that an instru
ment called the spectrOscope would become
one of our most important adjuncts in the
study of astronomy, in technical researches,
in the detection of new bodies. And thus
the ray of light passed through a hole in a
shutter becomes, In the contemplation of flu
ture men of science, the starting point in a
great array of discoveries.
Another discovery, of apparently not the
slightest practical Importance, was that OF
polarized light. This has been developed,
till now "the value of glass for optical in
struments, the extent TO which glass has
been annealed, the testing of stone jewels,
and the detection of paste diamonds are &C
complshed by the use of polarizng ap.
paratus. But the most important applica
ton of the power of rotation possessed by
different substances is seen in che apparatus
employed to determine the quantity of sugar
contained in any solution. The crude sugar
of commerce is bought and sold on polar
lied test.
"Hans Christian Oarsted observed the
DETECTION of the needle produced by an cleo
tro-maguet, and the needle telegraph was the
natural growth of the observation; and
afterward, by further research, we arrived
at the telegraph in its present form. A lit
tie deposit of copper on one of the poles OF
battery, when seen by De la Rive and
jacob, soon develops into electro.plating
and galvano-plastic operations. Gold, sill
YER, copper, nickel, and other metals, thrown
down from solutions by battery currents,
offer an occupation to a large number OF
persons, and enable publishers of illustrated
paper to furnish their readers with prints
for electrotype plates in manner far supe'
rior to what was fOrmerl accomplished In
this line.
Professor Tyndall's observations on haze
and dust have for their practical result i'm
proyements in ventilation, and the discovery
of the precautions to be observed to ensure
good health.
"Pasteur's researches on the germs of
fermentation have revolutionized our former
notions on this subject. The same theory
carried further in its consequences points out
the probable origin of epidemic diseases, and
thus indicates the best remedies to be ap-
piled"
Faraday discovered substance called
benzole, which was seemingly worthless, ex-
cept as curiosity. But out of this sub
stance has sprung long line of important
industries. From it we have the most mag
ni6cent colors; we prepare sweet perfumes;
we concentrate the light of Illuminating gas;
we dissolve resins, and make varnish.
When glycerine was first discovered, no
use was found for it. Now it is in demand
in immense quantities, for the most diversified
uses-for making soap. in medicine, in per-
fumery and confectionery, and as an essen
tial ingredient in the most powerful ezplo-
sive compounds.
So gutta- percha was first brought to the
United States as curiosity. Without it
we could not have ocean telegraphy. The
list of practical adaptations of useless" dis
coveries might be indefinitely extended.