The new North-west., 1880-01-09
EDIsoN's ELECTRIC LIGHT.

For nearly two years past the scientific
problem which att acted most attention
was the Electric Light. AS scientific ex-
pertinent it was = success. It remained to
divide the electric current so any one or
more burners could be supplied at will, to
produce an inexpensive lamp with inde-
structibs carbon and to generate eIectrici-
ty economically. While scores Of inventors
have worked on this problem, the world
has looked more confidently to Edison than
to any other. For eighteen months he has
worked indefatigably, even to melting
search In the mines Of the world for scarce
metals deemed essential to his success,
while dozens OF skilled workmen and spe-
cialists have contributed their labors to as
sist him. Many times have correspondents
announced his achievement as often has
disappointment come. At last, in the
closing days Of 1879, Edison himself cried
Eureka ~ and stakes bis reputation TO
the world that he has mastered the mys-
terry. Menlo Paik, his residence and lab
oratory, are lighted with the new illumina-
tor, and scientific men invited to investi-
gate and pass Judgment upon bis achieve
ment. While many Of them yet doubt
and deny, the geBeral belief seems to be
that Edison's triumph is complete, and no
better evidence OF this Is needed than the
depreciation of gas stocks and the advance
in the Edison Electric Light stock from
$500 TO $4,000 per share. 1t appears there
is only one point upon which there can be
doubt-the permanence Of the carbon illu-
minator. For the carbon, after innumera-
BILE experiments, he has adopted common
white paper, such as this we print on. The
discovery of it's adaptability was almost ac-
cidental, and 1t is pronounced the best sub
stance possible to obtain. Several thick
nesses of 1t are laid togsther and a little
horseshoe-shaped piece punched out. This
piece Is then subjected to intense heat in q
furnace, leaving only the cafbon of the pa
per. The little arc OF carbon is then stood
on its points inside glass globe, the wires
being connected TO the points and the air
exhausted from the globe. When cleo
tricity is applied the horseshoe-shaped
carbon becomes incandescent, giving out a
pure, steady, white light. Those now in
use give about the same light as an ordi-
nary gas jet, but the illumination is capa-
BILE OF being many times increased. The
carbonized paper costs abont one cent; the
lamps about twenty-five cents each. We
have as vet seen no estimate of the cost OF
generating the electricity, but it is claimed
to be but fraction Of the cost Of gas light
where it 10 cheapest and best. A few weeks
Of practical use will demonstrate the de.
structibility or indestructibility of the
carbon. Edison says he has experiment
cd upon that until he is satisfied, and
claims that the air being totally exhausted
| from the globe combustion Is impossible.
Others dissent from this and claim the car
bon will gradually impair but it must be
remembered that successful electric light
will as certainly supersede gas-in which
enormous capital is invested--as oil has
superseded the tallow candle. It will also
effect the oil market, and Of course the
electric light will be fought as vigorously,
although We trust not as viciously, as was
Gallileo's theory. Even If there are yet
defects they are remediable. We accept
the electric light as success.
or course this invention will work rev.
olutiou In illumination. Especially will
Its benefits be appreciated in great manu-
factories. The touch Of key will illumi-
nate OF darken one or thousands Of lamps.
There are no pipes to lay, there is no gas
or oil to escape, explode or burn. The ele-
ment Of safety is added to that of econo-
my. In lighting public thoroughfares no
hurricane can effect the steady effulgence |;
on railways, steamships, in hotels and all
edifces for public assAmblage its sdvan-
tages will be inestimable. In Montana 1t
viii be of immense utility in mines and
mills where the surplus power of the ma
chinery will be sufficient for all purposes
Of perfect illumination. Let us trust that
Its adaptahility will be such that coal oil
may soon be dispensed with a. an iliumI-
nator In our towns, and the steady efful-
genee of electric light brighten our homes,
and, through the public spirit of town au.
thorities, the ways tbereunto. Long live
Edison Let there be more light.