The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-03-03
WHAT ELEcrRIoIrx Is DOM,


In no way does invention at the
present day appear TO be turning its
attention az much as toward electrici-
ty. Though electricity has been long
known, its application to practical
purposes is regarded as still in its in
fancy, and inventors are OF opinion
that much more wonderful things will
be accomplished by its agency than
anything that has been done yet.
Awhile ago electricians we're princi-
pally engaged in the production oil
artificial light. At the present time
the application OF electricity as a
power, giving movement to machinery,
railway cars and otherwise, is the
principal subject Of investigation. In
this way progress is made, but no re-
suits Of a specially startling nature
have yet been secured, but the export
mentors are encouraged 10 expect ulti-
mate success. At the annual meeting
OF the National Electric Light Asso-
citation, held couple OF weeks ago at
Baltimore, papers were read showing
what inventors are doing. 1t was
stated that the distribution Of electric
power from central stations is
going to be the future source
Ct energy for light and other
purposes. The power which will reach
the cities will be stored at cent al sta
tons, to be there transformed for gen.
eral distribution. At present cleo
trical.stations are operated only about
six hours in the twenty.four for light
ing; II is desired TO find also employ
mentiorthe plant in distributing power
to local centsrs OF consumption. A
committee report stated that "the
greatest problem that can roW occupy
the mind of the electrician is the gen.
Grafton OF electricity directly by de-
composition Of the hydrocarbons, etc.
without the intervention OF the dyns'
mo-" a discovery that will reward
somebody with wealth and honor
Monsieur M. Deprez and others are
devoting themselves to experiment.
upon the transmission OF power. Sub
stsn.ial progress has been made, ant
il is expected that before long thu
transmission Of power will be com
plete success. This will work lrthes
sewing machines and other light ma
chinery, and in the end, probably
factories. The principal results so fa
have been in connection WITH rail
ways, aud 1t is believed that cit.
traffic will soon be carried
on by aid oil electricity
There is no expectation at present o
being able to apply the power to tn
great railways, but it can be used il
mines and tunnels, and for haulin
ore and other materials, and prove
very successful. Electricity, it wa
stated at the convention, will b
used to drive machinery, produc
ventilation, and for heating pul
poses" A three-mile track OF cleo
trical railway, uniting Detroit wit
Dearborn, running six large railway
cars at a speed of fifteen to twent
miles an hour, will be in operation i
few weeks. Another, at Appleton
will have ten-horse power motors
each car having it's own Independent
power, on an eight mile road, runnin
ten miles an hour. The street raj
way cars in Montgomery, Ala, whic
will be in operation in a month, hav
twelve electrical motors. The Age
Sted informs us that the street railrol
between Baltimore and Hampder
running seventy-five miles day, hs
electrical power as a motive, and ba
used it ever since August last. TIL
gradients and curves are both yer
uniavorable, but the electrical powe
proves sufficient, In several sever
storms, even when the rails we're COZ
cred with water, the service proceede
unchecked, trains stating ever
twenty minutes. Here six month
success has proved that electricity ca
do good railway work. We havehear
nothing lately as to the results of II
project to run the New York elevate
roads by electricity, but enough
/ slready done TO demonstrate tn
electricity sis on the move"