The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1878-11-09
Gas and Electricity.


hrecently, before the American Gas-light
Association. The lecturer began by
stating that it was his intention to say
something as to the present and future
developments of the electric light
and also refer to its history. By the
aid of stereopticon views Prof. Morton
described the various machines that
had been invented during the past TWEEN
ty years for the manufacture of the
electric light. Experiments were given
showing the illuminating power of this
electric discharge, and the first of these
was the introduction of two pieces of
retort carbon into the lantern and g the
actual self-produced image of the cleo
trio light was then thrown upon the
screen. The effect was exceedingly
beautiful and brought forth continued
applause.
The naked electric light was then
shown, and was so dazzling that the
glare became quite painful and could
only be endured by the audience for a
few moments. The same light was
then revealed protected by globe, as
exhibited at the American Institute and
other places. In reference to the econ
omy Of this light, the Professor said
that it was successful for the illumina-
ton of public grounds, large buildings
or factories. For that purpose its
adaptability had been fully tested, At
present the only available material was
carbon, which had been used in lamps,
but had been found to waste away very
quickly. When it was ATTEMPTED to di-
vide the light the loss was found to be
enormous. That was the rock upon
which all the adapters of the electric
light to the purposes now used by gas
had always split. Twenty years ago
Jobart, prominent member of the
French Academy, presented report in
which all the present effect of the cleo
trio light was described. This was pub
lished in the Guzette de France. This
matter of dividing the electric light"
said the Professor, "has not begun TO
be practical success. AS the matter
stands to-day, there is very large use
for the electric light and sufficient to
employ all the machines, but it is in the
direction of lighting the seashore or
great public buildings.
In the subdivision, as gas is now
used, there is not even the prospect of
anything being done. Even Mr.. Edi-
son says not for some years to come.
The fierce denunciations of the gas
companies at the latest discovery of
Mr.. Edison, have produced no effect
on the serenity of the Menlo Park lab
oratory. When Edison was told that
eminent scientists and prominent gas
company officials pronounced his al
legged discovery concerning the electric
light sham, and offered to prove by
figures and facts that division of the
electric light to any practical extent
was impossible, he smiled impertuba-
bly, and gave orders that a new eighty
horse power engine be at once placed
in operation and that more workmen
be added to the number already en-
gagged in manufacturing the apparatus.
A Herald reporter yesterday visited
the laboratory to learn the process of
the invention. Mr.. Edison had gone
to New York and was not expected
back until night. His numerous work
men, however, were busiiy engaged at
their different places. On the door
leading to the laboratory the reporter
noticed a large placard announcing
that there was positively no admittance.
1t being such striking departure from
the usual freedom hitherto accorded all
who visited the place he asked an as
sistant the cause of the prohibition.
g It's on account of the electric light"
said the young man. " Since it became
known that Mr.. Edison had made his
discovery the laboratory has been
thronged at nearly all hours of the day
with visitors anxious to see it. We
were obliged to close the doors because
the foreign patents have not yet been
heard from. In a couple of weeks,
however, perhaps less, all will be free
again, and then the skeptics may see
for themselves; but until then nobody
will be allowed to see it."
"But scientific men say that the
thing is impossible" observed the re-
porter.
"And so they said the quadruplex
telegraph was impossible" answered
the assistant. "Why, when Mr. Edi-
son announced that he had succeeded
in sending four messages on one wire
at the same time in opposite directions.
Sclentlhc men laughed outright and
called him a mailman. Again, when
he said he could talk through tele-
graph wire, and in proof of the same
showed his telephone, they would not
believe it until they tried it over and
over again and found it as he said, and
again, when he said he would make it
reproduce the human voice they once
more called him crazy. But notwith-
standing all they said the photograph,
the telephone and the quadrupleX are
to-day admitted facts. Let them say
what they please" continued the as
sistant, 1--WE, who know what Mr.. Edi-
son is doing, are satisfied that he has
succeeded"
At a late hour the Professor returned
from New York. The reporter met
him at the depot, and asked how he
was progressing with the practical di-
vision of the electric light, Every
thing is getting along all right" an
swered the inventor.
"Have you heard what scientific men
say about itP" asked the reporter
"What do they say?' inquired the