The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1898-01-27
EVERY DAY SCIENCE,

| ~ HioIOFCI IHCtnOQS anO
processes whereby the loss and leak
age OF the current will be reduced, and
Tesla studiously wording on his ex-
hausted tube for producing more ac-
tinic light, and host of other invent
ors, proclaiming the advantages of
acetylene gas, it is fair to presume
that before the end of the century the
science of illumination will be greatly
advanced. Those working in the cleo
trlcal field maintain that the light OBJ
tanned by the electric current will, in
time, supersede all other systems of
lighting, by reason of the fact that no
pollution of the atmosphere is caused
thereby, while Others contend that by
reason of the great cost thereof, the
cheaper and safer gases will always re-
main popular. A weak point concern
ing the use of the electric light is the
loss that occurs in the production of
the current from the coal, and in the
distribution thereof; as compared with
gas distribution, it is stated, on good
authority, that the loss in the latter is
from 4 to 10 per cent, while the leak
age of electricity amounts to about
40 per cent. Many inventors, there
fore, have turned their attention to
the production of acetylene gas, which
has been proved beyond doubt. to be
the safest, cheapest and brightest and
most actinic of any of the illumina-
ting gases yet discovered. In France
alone, since the Butler patent was
issued, January 23, 1895, 900 or more
inventors have devised and patented
apparatus for the manufacture of the
carbide from which the gas is pro-
duced, and apparatus for the handling
and burning of the gas. Several cities,
parks and large public buildings are
now illuminated with the gas, and with
entire satisfaction.
The first step in the production of
this gas, is the manufacture of the
carbide, dry, white powder, consist.
ing of fresh burned lime and carbon,
which are subjected to great heat in
an electric furnace. In this form the
carbide is supplied to the user or con-
sumner, and at the present time is sold
at the rate of about Al cents apound.
This dry material is then placed in
the fount of the lamp, or if used for
Illuminating buildings or dwellings, is
placed in what is termed the genera
tor, wherein water is placed or led,
and which on coming in contact with
the powder immediately sets free the
gas, the quantity of the latter depend
Ing entirely upon the amount of water
fed into the generator. This feature
has proved very productive field for
the inventor, as many patents have
been secured for various devices for
regulating the supply of water, closing
the same off when no gas is required,
for shutting off the supply of water
when the gas arrives at a certain
pressure, and for bringing the water
in contact with every particle of the
carbide.
The enthusiasm of those who have
been working in this field for the last
few years, seems to be perfectly JUS
tilted, as undoubtedly it is the nearest
approach in quality to the electric
light, of any yet produced, and with
the great advantage of cheapness.
Many companies are now in existence
for the manufacture of the carbide,
and also for the manufacture of appa-
ratus for Illuminating dwelling houses,
and recently several companies have
put upon the market small table and
bicycle lamps. AS there is a great
field for this light in small villages,
wherein it is too expensive to lay
mains tor the distribution of coal gas,
and in suburban homes, the owners of
which are prejudiced against domestic
gas plants on account of their danger
GUS character, the development of this
system will be watched with interest.
From time to time mention is made
of some of the curious devices for
which inventors seek and sometimes
obtain patents, but it is believed that
no mention has yet been made of the
following:
"Tape Worm Trap" The patent
describes, and the model filed in the
Patent Office shows, a small gold trap
secured to one end of silk thread or
string. The trap which is made in
the form of box, has one side open,
and fitted with knife, held in its
raised position by means Of string,
when the trap is set. Suitable bait is
contained within the trap. The af-
flicted person is induced or probably
forced to swallow this delightful NOR
sci, one end of the string being re-
tanned by the patient. The worm, like
all other foolish animals extends its