Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-08-12
Bully &errnsbef J0urnal.
Augusta. Friday Morning. Ang. II.


The discoveries of DR.. Franklin in rela-
ton to electricity and his experiments
with that subtle and powerful agent were
wonderful. but the achievements of these
modern days in the same direction are
quite a. remarkable. The latest achieve
ment OF this kind is the condensation and
boxing up Of electricity so that it can be
transported from place to place and APP
piled to mechanical and other purposes.
On this subject the Edinburgh Review Of
July says: "a few short weeks ago any
speculative innovator, who had proposed
to deliver condensed electricity for do
nestle u-e, like milk. in cans at the door.
would certainly have been looked upon as
. very wild and impractical visionary.
Yet this seems TO be very nearly what can
now actually be done according to the re-
cent announcement that four Ieaden cans
of condensed electricity have been sent
from Paris to Sir William Thomson at
Glasgow by special messenger. deliv-
cred safe and sound at their destination
and since examined and experimental
upon by the distinguished electrician to
whom they were forwarded. Sir William
Thomson found that after the journey Of
seventy 1.-TWO hours there was still stored
up In the four leaden reservoirs electrical
force enough. if put to mechanical work.
10 raise one million pounds one foot high.
One Of the four cells was discharged and
then re-charged from Sir Williams own
battery in the laboratory at Glasgow. and
after ten days it was found that 10 still con-
tanned power enough to lift 260. 900 pounds
one foot high. The case containing the
four cells sent from Paris 10 Glasgow was
q wooden box one foot square. and
weighed, with its contents. seventy-five
pounds. Each OF the four cells packed in
the interior was n cylinder of lead five
inches in diameter and ten inches high
The method by which electricity is thus
stored and packed away for transportation
and use is explained in the article from
which the above extract is taken, but with
that ordinary people are not so much in
practical results will be. This is not yet
clearly defined, but there is little doubt
that In time the discovery may be made
available for illuminating and perhaps
for mechanical purposes. Sir William
Thompson is inclined to look upon the in
vention rs likely TO solve the problem,
hitherto insoluble. Of the application Of
the electric light to the common purposes
of domestic life. "TIe conccives," says
the reviewer. .that household Faure bat
tories may hereafter take the same po-
sition for the supply of light that cisterns
now hold for the supply of water
The application of it tor driving ma
chinery will take longer time. Should
the supply of coal tor the worlds
use fail. electricity will come for
ward to take its place. One impor
tant consideration in the use of electricity
Is that the supply is inexhaustible. When
coal Is burned to ashes that is the end Of
it. but electricity may be used an endless
number Of times and The supply not be
reduced in the least. II seems quite prob
able that the ingenuity of man will be
able to turn this discovery to practical
and benefcent use. so that the light of
the household in the evening will be the
product OF electricity. canned and put
away for domestic use.
Her. Nv;ll;,p, Il Chantiar hoe ey;yop