Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-09-20
SOLAR MOTORS.
a French Society for the Utilization oil
the Suns Heat.


Among the companies recently formed
in Paris is a society for the utilization of
solar heat, with a capital of 1000, 900
francs. The problem which the patentees
profess to have solved is as old as Archi-
medes, who is said to have set fire with
burning glasses to the Roman fleet when
besieging Syracuse. One hundred years
afterward Hero of Alexandria con-
structed solar fountain. In 1551 Adam
LOnicer adapted solar heat to the process
of distillatiOn. In the next century Vari-
Gus solar clocks were constructed. and
the first hint was given of using the sun
as a motive power. The first scientist to
turn his attention to sun-fOrce as availa-
bic for practical purposes in the present
century was John Herschel, who con-
structed an apparatus for cooking bv the
suns rays, Several Frenchmen contin-
ued the experiment, and solar pumps and
hOt-air machines were patented in France
In 1860 Prof. Tyndall, in the course of
Ills experiments on lunar radiations, con-
structed n machine of great delicacy. 1t
consisted of a cOne-like reflector with
highly sensitive test in the centre, on
which all the rays striking the interior of
the cone were reflected. In 1871 NJ.
Mouchot adapted the idea to a sun ma
chine and exhibited it to the Academy of
Sciences in France in 1877. Twenty
thousand francs were granted by the
Minister of Public Instruction to enable
him to perfect his invention, and in the
following year further subventiOn
was made by the society for the Ad-
vancement of Science. In 1879 NJ.
Abel Pifre took up the subject, and
further subventions We're made by the
Government of Algeria. The company
just formed does not profess to be able to
do much in climates such as the north of
France or England. but in the south of
Europe, in Algeria, India and America
it is maintained that the invention will be
of great value. In these countries fuel is
often scarce, and motor that will SUPER
sede steam produced by furnaces may
produce extraordinary results where
cheap motive power is required.
1t is claimed that sun force is less vari-
able than wind or water power. In the
torrid zone the radiation of the sun re-
mains the same for many months, and
presents gratuitous power only waiting
to be harnessed by science. For the pur-
poses of irrigation, agricultural machines.
mills, ETC., also for the rectification of
alcohol, distillatiOn of perfumes. prOduc-
ton of ice. the distihatiOn of water for
drinks, and many other uses requiring
a low power cheaply produced, the pro.
mOters claim that their invention is yalu-
able. No strokes are necessary, nor are
explosions possible. All that is required
is to keep the machine, like a large sum
flower, always turned toward the sun.
The invention consists of a huge refiec-
tor, not unlike an inverted umbrella, the
interior of which is lined with high re-
flecting agent. In the centre OF this and
occupying the position of the umbrella
stick is standard boiler made Of a mate
rial highly conductive of heat. This re-
ceiYes the rays from the whole reflector,
and thus collects sufficient heat to gene
rate steam. In addition to motors the So
ciety supplies domestic sun machines
which boil water, prepare tea and coffee.
grill chops and steaks, fry eggs, and cook
other food. Portable machines are made
for carrying on horseback which will boj!
water and serve ID dinner un short notice.
The company also supplies scientific ma.
Chimes ahd even furnishes the same power
in the shape of a children's toy.
Unfortunately machines do not always
reailze tne VIVID hopes of their inventors,
and practical people will doubtless wait
awhile before ordering new solar motor.