The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-12-01
PARTISAN named Contc devised the process

n by which all black lead pencils, and in
IA deed pencils of all sorts, were manufac.
turcd. Prior to this in 1I6l the great
pencil factory of the Faber family had been cs-
tablisied in Nuremberg. Pencils were then
made from pulvcrized graphite cemented into
solid blocks by means of gums. resins. glue sui
phur and other substances, but none of these
preparations yielded useful pencils Contc's
process consisted of most intimate mixture
OF graphite and clay, both first brought to
condition of the finest subdivision
Organized labor had its troubles even at this
early date BY Il statute passed in England it
was enacted that all persons combining with
others to advance their wages decrease the
quantity of their work in any way effect or
control those who carried on any manufacture
or trade in the conduct and management there
of might be convicted and committed to the
common Jail for any time not exceeding three
calendar months or be kept at hard labor in
the house of correction for term OF two cal
endar months.
William Murdock made such progress in the
discovery of practical methods for making, stor
ing and purifying coal gas that he was able
to light the whole exterior of his factory at
Birmingham, England. Gas distilled from wool
was introduced at this time by NJ. Lcbon into
attracting much notice and comment.
Tieng- -tson-tai-oang, king of Corca, suffered
an abscess to put an end to his life rather than
submit to the contact of the lancet This was
the result of the law OF the land that to touch
the king with a weapon OF iron was treason
The rule was rgdy enforced.
The reputation composer of Ludwig Won
Beethoven, who is in music what Shakespeare is
in poetry. became established beyond the limits
of his own country. 1t was at this time that
his deafness, noticed first in l707, became more
pronounced. His celebrated Septuor, Opus 70,
and the First symphony, Opus q. were pub
lshed this year.
A violent earthquake at Constantinoplc de-
sti ID the royal palace and an immensely Of
buildings. 1t extended into Rounlana and Wal
achia.
The famine in China induced the government
to direct by an imperial edict that Il greater
portion of the land should he devoted to the
cultivation of grain.
Galloping Dick, remarkable criminal was
executed ut Aylesbury near London for highway
robbery.
Plus VII became pope during the last year OF
the eighteenth century at the age OF itty-ciglit,
and was destined to serve one of the most excit-
ing periods in vatican history.
An eruption of Mt. Etna, one Of the most
celebrated volcanoes in the world, situated on
the eastern scaboard of Sicily, occurred.
A storm did vast damage in London and
throughout the whole Of England.
Gold was discovered at Ceylon.
The manufacture of shear steel began at
Sheffield,
Vaccination was introduced into the United
States, it having been discovered two years
before by Edward Jenner, OF England
The use of teaches or nfusions in tanning
heavy leather was first insisted on by Segun
and the adoption of his suggestion led to the
shortening of the time occupied in tanning by
about one-haf.
Samuel W. Chuffuck, who invented the "pony''
sounder and circuit -closer attachment to the
telegraph key, was horn in Vermont
Among the births OF the year OF persons who
afterward won fame were the followinss
John Junius Burk, Louisiana lawyer
John burnside, Louisiana sugar planter
Warren Burton, New England author and min
lister.
William BUSHNELL American physician ant
railroad manager.
j. Benjamin Cahoone, naval pay director.
Zenns Caldwell, American education. and writer
John Mcleod Campbell, ID. d., Scott theol
ogian.
Madam Maria Corador- Allen, English vocalis
| In America.
Rene Edouard Coron, Canadian statesman.
| Nicholas Armund Correal, French polica
writer.
Branlio Garlic. Costa Rican dictator.
| William A. Carruthers. American physician
and author.