IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF ELECTRIC CURRENTS IN OBTAINING LIGHT, MOTION AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND EFFECTS BY THE AGENCY OF ELECTRICITY, PART OR PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO THE MANUFACTURE OF CERTAIN ACID3 AND TO THE REDUCTION OF ORES
Year: 1852

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME I MARTYN
JOHN ROBERTS of Gerrards Cross in the County of Bucks Gentleman Send
Greeting
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland bearing date at Westminster the sixth day of July one
thousand eight hundred and fifty two in the sixteenth year of Her reign Did
for Herself Her Heirs and successors Give and Grant unto me the said
Martyn John Roberts my exors admors and assigns Her especial licence full
power sole privilege and authority that I the said Martyn John Roberts.
my exors admors and assigns or such others as I the said Martyn John
Roberts my exors admors or assigns should at any time agree with and no
others from time to time and at all times during the term of years therein
expressed should and lawfully might make use exercise and vend within
England Wales and the Town of Berwick upon Tweed my Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF ELECTRIC CURRENTS IN OBTAINING LIGHT,
MOTION AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND EFFECTS BY THE AGENCY OF ELECTRICITY,
PART OR PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO THE MANUFACTURE
OF CERTAIN ACID3 AND TO THE REDUCTION OF ORES" In which said Letters Patent
is contained a proviso that I the said Martyn John Roberts shall cause a
particular description of the nature of my said Invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed by an Instrument in writing under my hand and

page_text: seal to be enrolled in Her Majesty's High Court of Chancery within Six
Calendar Months next and immediately after the date of the said in part
recited Letters Patent as in and by the same reference being thereunto had
will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE that in compliance with the said proviso I the said
Martyn John Roberts do hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed are fully described and
ascertained in and by the following Specification reference being had to the
Drawings hereunto annexed for the purpose of illustrating the description of
certain parts thereof (that is to say)
My Improvements in the production of electric currents consists in a mode
or modes of obtaining such currents at a cheaper rate or more economically
than hitherto done by repeatedly used or applying certain materials in the
production thereof For this purpose I take the products of a battery or
batteries such as hereafter mentioned that is to say the products of the
chemical action in the battery (such as hereinafter mentioned) by means of
which an electric current has been produced and I convert such products into
the materials from which they have been formed or into a state similar to that
in which they existed when introduced into the battery The materials so
obtained may then be again used or employed in a galvanic battery for the
production of electric currents as before and so alternately may the materials
be used in producing electric currents and the produce of the process re-
converted into its original materials without further diminution than the waste
which is necessarily occasioned by the performance of every process When I
use a galvanic battery in which platina is the negative plate and iron the positive
plate and excite these by nitric acid to generate currents of electricity part of
the acid is itself decomposed yielding a portion of its oxygen to the iron so as
to convert it into oxide of iron the other elements of the decomposed acid
being given off in the shape of fumes of nitrous or hyponitrous gas or other
combinations of oxygen and nitrogen Another part of the nitric acid will
combine with the oxide of iron and form nitrate or Pernitrate of iron. The
fumes above mentioned I convey into any convenient vessel and convert them
(with as little loss as possible) into nitric acid For this purpose I add to
them such a quantity of oxygen or of atmospheric air containing the quantity
of oxygen requisite to convert the fumes into nitric acid I then bring the
combined gases into contact with as large a surface of water as practicable
which will cause a chemical union of the gases so as to form nitric acid which
will then be absorbed by the water. I also take the nitrate or per-nitrate of
iron the other product of the battery and place it in a retort and apply heat

page_text: until the whole of the nitric acid has been distilled into a receiver containing
water and the vessel used for combining the nitrous fumes and oxygen may
conveniently be used as a receiver for that purpose. The residue left in the
retort will be oxide of iron which I convert into metallic iron by smelting
it with carbon in the usual way. By these means the above mentioned pro-
ducts will be reconverted into the same materials as were originally intro-
duced into the battery and those reconverted materials may be again applied
in a battery for the production of electric currents and by these means a very
considerable saving may be effected in the cost of producing the electric
currents. When any other metal shall be used as the positive plate in con-
junction with nitric acid as the exciting fluid I treat the products of the battery
in a similar manner. When I employ a battery consisting of the same plates
as above mentioned using sulphuric acid as the exciting fluid the product
obtained from the battery will be a sulphate of iron. The sulphate of iron thus
obtained I place in a retort and apply heat until the whole of the sulphuric
acid shall be driven off into a receiver in the ordinary way. The residue in
the retort will be oxide of iron which I convert into metallic iron by smelting
with carbon as above described.
This part of my Invention is also applicable to the reduction of ores at a
cheaper rate or more economically by repeatedly using or applying certain
materials in the reduction thereof by means of electric currents. Thus when
nitric acid is applied to a copper ore so as to form a nitrate of copper and that
nitrate is then decomposed by means of any other suitable metal and an electric
current so as to obtain metallic copper nitrous fumes and a nitrate of the
metal employed will be formed in like manner as above mentioned. These
products I treat in like manner as above described and thus regain the metal
and the nitric acid to be again applied in like manner as before. So also if
sulphuric acid be applied to copper ore so as to obtain a sulphate of copper
and that sulphate be then decomposed by means of iron and an electric current
for the purpose of obtaining metallic copper the resulting sulphate of iron
may be treated in like manner as above described.
I have also invented an apparatus applicable to the purpose of causing the
combination of nitrous acid gas and other compounds of nitrogen and
oxygen with a further quantity of oxygen so as to form nitric acid and
also for the purpose of causing the absorption of such nitric acid by water
such apparatus is also applicable in the manufacture of such other acids
as are formed by the union of two or more gases by promoting the
union of such gases and causing the acids when formed to be absorbed by
This apparatus consists of a pipe or series of pipes opening freely
water.

page_text: from one into the other and filled with flints or some substances not
easily acted on by the acid passing through them. Through these pipes a
current of water is made to flow so as to keep the surfaces of the flints or
other substances covered with water and expose as large a surface of water as
possible to the action of the gases passing through the tubes. The water
exposing so large a surface will thus be enabled inore rapidly to absorb the
gas or gases which it can take up and also more effectually to assist in the
combination of gases in those cases in which water may be requisite for that
purpose And when it shall be intended that the water shall contain a saturated
or strong solution the same water may be caused repeatedly to pass through
the tubes until the desired result has been attained When I employ this
apparatus for the purpose of converting the fumes arising from a battery into
nitric acid as above mentioned I convey these fumes by a tube into the pipes
of the apparatus and into this tube and amongst the fumes I inject oxygen
gas derived from any source but I prefer as most economical to inject atmo-
spheric air by bellows or other convenient apparatus this air is with the
fumes driven along them into the pipes of an apparatus where it will
come into contact with the moisture and a combination of the acid fumes
with the oxygen will take place thus forming nitric acid the water absorbing
the nitric acid will carry it down in a liquid form to a reservoir below the
pipes figure 1 shows the apparatus A A A is a series of glass tubes
opening at the bottom into one common Reservoir R this reservoir is filled
with water to above the mouth of the pipes as shewn by the dotted line and
seals them air tight as regards these lower openings but the tubes have a free
air or gas passage from one to the other at bottom as shewn by the small
pipes ppp And at the top the large pipes open one into the other by their
curved heads The intention being to have an air or gas passage from A × at
the beginning of the set of pipes to A × the end of the pipes A. A. A. or
orifice opening freely into the atmospheric air. Above the pipes A A A is
another water or acid reservoir R X and from this small syphon tubes S S S
convey acid or water into A A A and yet to prevent gases or air passing
through them into the reservoir R x they being always filled to a certain
height with liquid. The end A × of the set of pipes A A A joins to the
main pipe M leading to the battery and the battery being closed in on every
other side the fumes must pass through M into A A A At B a pipe B ×
joins M.
Bx is in connection with a bellows or other apparatus for supplying
atmospheric air A syphon pipe with water or a valve is interposed between
B and the bellows to prevent any escape of the gases backwards through
the bellows Let us now suppose the two reservoirs R and Rx to be filled

page_text: with water to the dotted line the battery in action pouring its fumes into M
while the bellows through B× is injecting atmospheric air the fumes and the
air mix and are driven into A A A here they meet with a very extensive
wet surface of flints which causes the oxygen of the air to combine with the
battery fumes and the current of water carries down the condensed fumes in
the form of liquid acid into the reservoir R the nitrogen of the air and that
part of its oxygen that did not combine with the fumes is driven out at the
end of the pipes at A x x but in no case have I found any acid fumes lost
at this opening when the series of pipes were long enough and the flow of water
through the pipes continuous I have found that if the total length of the series
of pipes exceed 35 feet or 40 feet long and 2 inches in diameter no loss of
acid fumes was occasioned from want of condensing power The acidulous
liquor in the reservoir R may either be removed of if wished to be made
stronger may be raised by pump or otherwise to the reservoir Rx from whence
it may pass a second time through A A A and acquire a second dose of acid
and this can be repeated until the desired strength of acid is obtained.
I desire it to be understood that I do not claim the elements or component
parts of the apparatus which I have described separately or apart from
the combination thereof in manner aforesaid and that what I do claim with
reference to this part of my invention is, the combination of parts forming
the apparatus hereinbefore described.
Another part of my said Invention consists in a peculiar mode of applying
or using lead as a positive metal or plate in a galvanic battery' When a plate
of lead is used as the positive plate in the usual manner if the circuit or
channel which leads from one pole of the battery to the other be broken for a
short time when the circuit is again completed the current of electricity
I have discovered
generated by the battery is found to be much diminished
that if a second or supplemental circuit or channel be opened or in other
words if the current of electricity is allowed to flow through a second circuit
while the main or principal circuit is broken the main current may be re-
established without any material diminution of the electric current produced
by the battery The secondary circuit which I prefer to use for the purpose
of preventing the powers or currents produced by a leaden battery being
diminished I form partly of a dilute acid (contained in any convenient vessel)
and partly by a wire proceeding from each pole of the battery the termination
of such wire (in the dilute acid) being composed of a platina plate in the ordinary
way this secondary channel is in constant connection with the battery but
the resistance which it is made to oppose to the electric current is so adjusted
(by regulating the distance between the platina plates or otherwise) that it

page_text: 'shall always be greater than the resistance which the current meets with when
flowing in the main channel or circuit so that when the main circuit is
unbroken no current of electricity shall take place through the secondary
channel, but immediately the main circuit is broken the electricity will flow
through the secondary circuit which will thus maintain the current so that
the battery may be ready for action in its full strength whenever the main
circuit shall be made perfect With respect to this part of my invention I
claim the use or addition to a battery in which lead is used to form the positive
plate of a second or supplemental circuit or channel in manner and for the
purpose herein before described
My Improvements in obtaining light by the agency of electricity consist
Firstly of a mode or modes of adjusting or regulating the distance between
the points of the two electrodes used in the production of electric light so that
the points of those electrodes shall be maintained or from time to time
replaced at the proper distance from each other for the production of light
which is usually called the striking distance The mode in which I effect this
object is to arrange the apparatus carrying one of the electrodes so that such
electrode shall be released from such apparatus and allowed to fall down
or move forward until its point comes in contact with the other electrode and
then be again taken hold of by the apparatus within which it is placed. This
object having been effected I then by means of another arrangement of the
apparatus either in connection with the same or the other electrode, draw
back one of the electrodes until the points of the two electrodes shall be the
proper and regulated distance from each other as above described The
apparatus for producing these effects may be actuated either by an electric
current or by mechanical means such as usually termed clockwork And in
the drawings hereunto annexed I have shewn apparatus for effecting the above
mentioned objects actuated or having motion given to it by an electric current
and also apparatus for effecting the like objects worked by clock work
In Figure 2 A A is a board or stand on which an upright pillar B of brass
and about one inch in diameter and 18 inches high is firmly secured to
the stand the pillar is bent at top into a right angle forming a projecting arm
c of about 8 inches long to this is soldered the 10d D about 6 inches long
which forms a support and guide for the tube E which is 3 inch internal
diameter and about 12 inches long E is furnished with two pins × which
slide in guide holes o and by these E is guided into a vertical motion when
made to slide up and down E is in metallic connexion with the pillar B by
means of the flexible metallic strap F for the purpose of conveying electricity
to it from a Galvanic battery which electricity traverses a wire that encircles

page_text: an electro magnet M hereinafter to be described The tube E contains a
graphite or carbon electrode which electrode is from 8 to 12 inches in
length or longer if convenient and of such a diameter as to slide freely
within the tube E and yet not to fit so loosely as to fail to be pressed by the
spring mouth piece S which mouth piece is a segment of the mouth of the
tube E furnished with a long spring S × so far removed from the extremity of
E that the heat of the incandescent graphite shall not injure it. The use of
this spring mouth piece is to press against the electrode and give good metallic
contact between it and the tube for the certain conveyance of electricity to the
electrode and for further ensuring this the mouth piece is lined with platina
but the mouth piece does not press against the electrode so forcibly as to
prevent the graphite sliding through it either by its own weight or better by
aid of a spring or small additional weight placed behind thus the electrode
would always fall through the tube E were it not supported in it by the
pressure of two jaws or clips F¹ F¹ working on joints or hinges G G The ends
of these clips entering through two slits into the interior of the tube E and
pressing so firmly (when in action) upon the electrode as to prevent its sliding
and keep it securely in its place, these clips are actuated by two rods as
handlos reaching to the top of the tube E and there connected by a
joint with a lever L if the other end of the lever be depressed it draws up
the handles and the clips bite inwards upon the graphite or other electrode
within the tube The lever L at the end Q is by a joint and rod N attached
to a bell crank P the other limb of the bell crank is fixed to the piece of iron
K that serves as a keeper to the electro maguet M This electro magnet is of
the usual kind vizt a bar of soft iron in the horse shoe form wound round with
a coil of covered copper wire and this wire forms part of the electric channel
or circuit from one pole of a galvanic battery to the other, one end of this coil
is soldered to the pillar B the other end has a binding screw for the purpose
of attachment to the wire leading to the positive pole of a powerful Galvanic
Battery On the base or stand A and vertically under the tube E is a socket
R for the purpose of holding another graphite electrode T'and the socket by
means of a binding screw can be put into good metallic connection with a wire
from the negative pole of the galvanic battery by three slots and screws the
socket and its electrode can be so adjusted as to bring the points of the elec-
trodes in exact contact with each other Let us suppose the lamp now ready
for action one graphite electrode in the socket R another dropped into the
tube E the clips being open by reason of the balance weight W on the end of
the lever L depressing the end of L and forcing the clips open the electrode
in E slides through until its point comes into contact with that in the socket

page_text: Rif the Lamp be now put into connection with the battery the electricity
circulates round M making this a powerful magnet attracting the keeper K
this draws down the lever L raises the handles of the clips h the clips seize
on the electrode within the tube holding it firm while the further depression
of the lever L lifts up the tube E until stopped by the adjusting screw=
generally for the distance of of an inch while this is taking place the
electricity circulates from the coil round M through the pillar B the strap F
the metal of the tube E and to the electrode within it this electrode has now
been raised by the lever L as described of an inch and consequently so
far separated from the electrode in R and the electricity passes from the point
of the electrode in E to that in R giving an intense light from R it circu-
lates by means of a wire to the other end of the battery While this is taking
place the electrodes gradually waste away until a time arrives when the
distance between the points of the two electrodes is too great for the electricity
to surmount or pass through immediately this occurs the current of clectricity
ceases M is no longer a magnet the keeper is released the lever L by means
of the balance weight W is depressed at the end in connection with the clips
of the tube E descends its allotted space the clips open and the electrode in
E is free to slide downwards which it does until it comes into contact with
the electrode in R the instant this contact takes place the circuit is complete
again the current of electricity circulates and the same action as that first
described with the evolution of a brilliant light takes place until by another
wasting of the electrodes the same change ensues and this is repeated again
and again until all the electrode is destroyed I find that with a moderately
powerful battery about one and a quarter inch of electrode wastes per hour.
The construction of electric lamps may be modified in various ways so as
to cause the distance between the two electrodes to be from time to time
during the turning of the lamp adjusted or regulated in manner herein before
described In one modification of my lamp I cause the distance between the
electrodes to be from time to time adjusted or regulated by an apparatus of a
more simple description than that just described Figure 3 shows a side view
or elevation of this machine A B and C are the stand pillars and arm
similar to those of the lamp before described in figure 2 from C a rod D
as before guides the motion of the tube E in the manner before described
near the centre of the arm C is a fulcrum on which an electro magnet M
can vibrate on its pivot the electrode in the tube E is provided with an iron
holder or handle H which may be attached to the electrode or merely rest on
it as a weight which slides within the tube E but projects above it even when
its lower end is near the mouth of E The handle when thus in the tube E

page_text: is close to the pole of M or to both poles if M be a horse shoe magnet but
it is prevented from coming into absolute metallic contact by a covering of
some non-magnetic substance either on H or on the pole of M for the purpose
of preventing it sticking by the residual magnetism in M The tube E is
attached to M by a link or strap a and above the pole of M is fixed a piece of
iron I so near as to attract and raise M when M is a magnet.
good electric connection with the battery by the wire coiled round the electro
magnet and the strap or rod leading from it to the binding screw X and the
arrangements for the lower electrode and the mouth piece of the tube are
the same as described in figure 2.
E is in
Now the action of the apparatus is as follows Suppose the Lamp not in
connection with the battery. M is not a magnet the handle or weight H is
therefore free to slide downwards in the tube by its own weight and carries
before and with it its electrode until the electrode comes into contact with
the lower one Immediately contact is made with the battery M becomes a
magnet seizes hold of H and at the same time attracting and being attracted
by the iron I the end of the magnet and the tube E attached to it is thus
lifted up until stopped by the regulating screw U the electrodes being thus
separated a short distance from each other the electricity passing between them
gives out brilliant light until the electrodes having so far wasted that the
distance between them is too great, M ceases to be a magnet drops itself and
the tube E at the same time releases the holder H which slides downwards
until the two electrodes are once more in contact with each other the current
of electricity is reestablished when M becomes once more a magnet and the
same series of operations as first described takes place
In all the modifications of my electric lamps if a single tube and pair of
electrodes be used the quantity of light is apt to vary with the varying distance
of the points of the electrodes caused by the wasting away of each until the
striking distance becomes too great when as before described a fresh portion
of electrode is protruded To avoid this inequality of light and obtain a fair
average I (in some cases) use two or more sets of electrodes combined within
the same lamp and either worked by one battery or by more This arrange-
ment permits one pair of electrodes to be at their maximum production of light
while another pair is at their minimum production and thus between the two
a good and equal average quantity of light may be obtained and if two such
lamps or pairs of electrodes be used in connection with one battery as the
light produced from one pair of the electrodes diminishes in consequence of the
increased distance between their points that pair of electrodes obtains a less
quantity of electricity from the battery and the surplus or remainder is sent
B

page_text: through the second pair of electrodes thus increasing the light which they
produce
In figure I have shewn an arrangement of clock work apparatus by
means of which I cause the distance between the two electrodes of a Lamp to
be from time to time adjusted or regulated A stand A has a pillar B to
which a tube C of about twelve inches long and three eighths of an inchbore is
screwed this tube is also furnished with a spring mouth piece C' as described
in figure 2 a slot or opening of about an inch long is made in the tube
about an inch above its mouth, through this slot the short arm X of a bell
crauk lever L can enter for the purpose of pressing upon and arresting the
descent of an electrode within the tube the lever L works upon pivots p p
and the end 11 (being heavy) when free to move falls downwards pressing its
short arm through the slot in C On the same stand and turning on proper
supports or pillars H is a wheel w of about four or five inches diameter a
segment of this wheel is cut off as shewn at a a upon the axle of the wheel
is an arm F which when the wheel axle is turned strikes againt the lever L
and raises it of course at the same time causing the beut arm X of the lever
to come out of the slot by this action the electrode within the tube before
supported by X falls by its own weight or assisted by any spring or weight
behind it Above the wheel is another lever R working on pivots at I and
pillar T and the end of this lever immediately over the wheel rests upon its
periphery Now if the wheel be turned the lever (if the wheel be round)
remains at rest until that part of the wheel which is reduced or cut off comes
below the lever when the lever follows this irregularity in the wheel and
consequently becomes depressed at that end raising the other Now to the
end Q of the lever R is attached by a link or strap Pa socket S which is
free to slide perpendicularly up and down upon a proper guide or support =
this socket contains the lower electrode E x and is in metallic connection by a
flexible strap with a binding screw K to connect it with one end of the
battery. the electrode within the tube is also in connection by means of the
tube and pillar with the battery which can be joined on to it by the screw
Ka carbon electrode is put into the socket S and another into the tube C
and if the wheel is turned until the depression in the periphery of the wheel is
under the lever R this falls and raises the lower electrode to its normal place
at the same time the arm on the axle raises the end of L which frees the
electrode in the tube C and this electrode falls into contact with the lower
electrode The apparatus being put into connection with the battery and the
wheel turned by proper clock work attached to its axle the arm F passes the
lever L which drops and secures the electrode within C the periphery of the

page_text: wheel now raises the lever R depressing the lower electrode until a proper
striking distance is obtained the wheel revolves until the lower electrode is
again raised to its normal place the arm strikes the lever L liberates the
electrode in C and a repetition of the described operation takes place at
every separation of the electrodes a vivid light takes place between these
points and the duration of the light is while the wheel maintains them apart
(of course if not so long as to waste the electrode too far) and the duration of
darkness while the points of the electrodes are in contact.
This apparatus I deem to be applicable as a light for lighthouses by
causing the electrodes to remain a longer or shorter time in contact with each
other the light may be made intermittent and the intermission regulated at
pleasure so as to have the desired durations of light and darkness respectively
for indicating the particular light house to which it belongs
With respect to machines or apparatus for producing light as hereinbefore
described I claim as of my Invention the construction of electric lamps with
apparatus attached thereto whereby the points of the electrodes shall be from
time to time brought into contact with each other and then removed to a
proper or striking distance apart in manner and for the purposes hereinbefore
described.
Another part of my Invention consists of a mode of obtaining electric light
by passing a current of electricity through a thin piece of graphite coke or
charcoal or other infusible body being a conductor of electricity while it is
enclosed in a vacuum or space not containing any oxygen or other matter
which can cause the combustion or destruction of it when brought into an
incandescent state by the action of the current of electricity.
may
In figure 5 I have shewn an elevation or side view of an apparatus which
be used for this purpose but I desire it to be understood that I do not
claim any of the elements or parts of which this apparatus is composed apart
from the combination thereof In this figure A is a stand upon which
a hollow pillar or tube B can be screwed this tube is furnished with a stop
cock S by which its passage can be closed air tight on the top of the pillar
is a screw C about one and a half inch in diameter which receives the neck
of the globe G also furnished with a cap and screw to allow it to be screwed
air tight down upon the tube B The tube B has a binding screw F soldered
to it for the purpose of making connection with a galvanic battery and the
tube is also in metallic connection with a rod R having at the end of it a
clip H for the purpose of holding a piece of graphite or other substance
through which I wish to pass the electricity another rod R¹ also furnished
with a similar clip H× passes through the head of the pillar or tube B but

page_text: is preserved from coming into metallic contact with it by having the rod
enveloped in ivory at D or other non-conductor of electricity At the bottom
of the rod R¹ is another binding screw F x for the purpose of connecting it
with the other pole of the battery Now the mode of operation with this
apparatus is as follows-a piece of very thin graphite about half an inch
long half an inch wide and as thin as conveniently can be made is fastened
at each end into the clips H and H' and firmly secured, the globe G is
screwed air tight upon the pillar B the stop cock S is opened and the whole
apparatus by a screw at the bottom of B screwed down upon an air pump or
exhausting syringe by this the air is drawn out of G and as perfect a
vacuum as can conveniently be made obtained, when this is done the stop
cock is shut and the apparatus is then removed from the pump to its stand A
and a galvanic battery is put into connection with it by the binding screws
F Fx the electricity passes through the rods and thin piece of graphite J
which becomes white hot from the passage of the electric current and no
combustion will ensue if the vacuum be perfect and no matter within the
globe to cause combustion of the graphite or if the graphite be not otherwise
destroyed the light continues as long as the electricity flows through the
graphite in sufficient strength.
And with respect to this part of my Invention I claim the production of
light by passing electricity through a thin infusible body being a conductor of
electricity in manner hereinbefore described.
Another part of my Invention consists of a mode or modes of giving
increased brilliancy to the light produced by electric lamps.
I have discovered that flame or the combustion or volatilization of some
substances between or on the points of the electrodes will very much increase
the light produced by an electric lamp Thus if a candle or lamp be placed so
that its flame shall pass between the points of the electrodes the brilliancy of
the light evolved between the electrodes will be increased And if lime or any
other alkaline earth be interposed between the points of the electrodes when
the lamp is in action the brilliancy of the light evolved will be very greatly
increased When I intend lime to be interposed between the electrodes in
this manner I prefer to effect that object in the same manner as lime is
introduced between two jets in what is usually called the Drummond light
I prefer however to produce the same or nearly the same effect by a new
description of electrode which I make by mixing the material of which the
electrodes may be composed with a portion of lime or other alkaline earth (I
have used about five per cent of lime with success) taking care not to
introduce as much as will materially diminish the power of the electrodes to

page_text: conduct electricity When electrodes thus made are brought into action in
the lamp they produce a light very much more brilliant than electrodes made
without any such admixture.
Another part of my said Invention consists of a mode of diminishing the
spark produced upon the breaking of a circuit for conducting currents of
electricity It has been found that when a current of any great power haṣ
been employed the points or parts at which the circuit is broken are rapidly
destroyed by the spark produced by breaking circuit For the purpose of
avoiding or preventing this evil immediately before the breaking of the circuit
I furnish the current of electricity with another circuit which is shorter so as
to destroy or greatly diminish the electric action by which the spark is created
at the place where contact is broken The formation of such a secondary
circuit will of course carry off the greater portion at least of the electricity
which would otherwise pass along what may be called the primary or working
circuit or channel And in some cases this diversion of the current of elec-
tricity from the primary or working circuit or channel may be a sufficient sub-
stitute for the breaking of the primary circuit If the primary circuit be
broken I cause it to be again made before breaking the secondary circuit so
that upon breaking the secondary circuit there shall always be another circuit
for conducting the current of electricity and so preventing the production of
a spark or greatly diminishing it The making and breaking of this
secondary and short circuit may be effected by means of any ordinary contact
breaker used in electro-galvanic apparatus care being taken to construct or
regulate it in such a manner that it shall make and break the secondary
circuit at the proper times or intervals
I will now describe my apparatus for making and breaking contact when
the primary or working channel is also made and broken
A stand A Figure 6 supports a pillar B of metal having a binding screw
E' to connect it with one pole of a battery To the top of this pillar a
metallic spring P is soldered and at the end of this a piece of iron I to act
as keeper to the small electro magnet M another metal pillar D is fixed to
the stand and can by its binding screw be put into connection with the
electro-magnet M a third pillar E on the same stand can also by its binding
screw be put in connection with the other pole of the battery the Nos 1. 2
shewing the poles to which all are to be connected On the pillar E a lever
L in metallic connection with E moves on a pivot p and is so arranged as to
press by its spring x its end on to the top of D. a wire from D is coiled round
and forms the coil of the electro-magnet M and the wire passing from this to
the working or primary channel 2* when M is a magnet it attracts I

page_text: depresses P and comes into good contact with L depresses that end and
raising the other out of contact with D, if the pillars be in connection with
the battery as described and further shown by the figures 1. 2. 2x in
Figure it will be seen that while L rests upon D the current of elec-
tricity flows from the battery through 2, through E through L through D
through the wire to the electro-magnet M round the magnet and away
through the working channel back to the battery But while this is
taking place M becomes a magnet, draws down I breaks contact between
L and D and makes contact between P and L The electricity now flows
from the battery through 2 to E through L to P and away through
B and 1 to the battery. it will be clear that the current at D and L
being broken the current cannot flow through the primary or working
channel or round the electro-magnet which ceases to be a magnet and does
not attract I The spring P flies up, contact between L and P is broken and
contact is made as before between D and L and the same phenomenon again
ensues The apparatus by which I cause a cessation or great diminution of
electricity in the primary or working channel by means of giving the elec-
tricity a better and shorter channel than it would find in the primary one is as
follows and is shewn in figure 7 A stand A has a pillar B of brass and
spring C of brass with iron head I as before in figure 6 the pillar B is in
connection with one pole of the battery and a pillar D of brass in connection
with the other pole of the battery is fixed on the stand with its head under
the spring C An electro-magnet M to which the iron I would form a keeper
forms part of the main working or primary channel that is to say a wire in
constant connection with one pole of the battery forms the coil of this magnet
and is continued onwards to the apparatus which I call the main working
apparatus and from thence back to the other pole of the battery and is main-
tained in constant connection with it Now while the keeper I is up that is
not drawn down by the attraction of M the electricity of the battery has but
one channel to travel through videlicit the primary or working channel but if
M draws down I so that E comes into contact with D and if the channel or
circuit from the battery through B. C. D. and back to the battery is much
shorter and far more easily traversed by the electricity than that of the primary
or working channel then will the current of electricity forsake in a great
measure the primary channel or circuit and flow in preference through the
secondary channel B. C. D. for example suppose the resistance offered by the
primary channel to the circulation of the electric current through it to equal one
thousand, and suppose the resistance offered by the secondary channel to equal
only ten then if both these channels were at one time fully in connection with

page_text: the battery then would one thousand parts of electricity flow through the
secondary or better conducting channel and only ten parts circulate through
the primary or working channel which in effect would be practically to anni-
hilate its effective power Thus to stop the action of the electricity in the
working or primary channel I have only to offer to it an infinitely better
secondary channel and the object is effected without breaking contact in
primary channel and consequently no destructive spark is elicited Again
when M has drawn C into contact with D and thus as described practically
destroyed the current in the primary chanuel M ceases to have any attractive
power as its coil forms part of the primary channel When this happens I
is released and contact between C and D is broken the secondary channel is
thus interrupted and the primary channel being still in good connection with
the battery the electricity flows through it and does its work A very trifling
and harmless spark is elicited at the head of D when contact is broken with
C because the electricity has a free channel open to it through the primary
channel and therefore does not follow C through any striking distance so as
to be destructive The above descriptions and figure 6 and figure 7 shew how
contact is made and broken or the electric force annihilated or reduced in the
primary channel by the agency of the electric current itself, but if it be
desired to effect this at certain regular and defined intervals then the
electro-magnets M M in figure 6 and 7 are removed and levers
springs PC are brought into contact with D and D and removed from
it by any convenient application of machinery to effect the motion at the
proper intervals of time for example a cam wheel may rotate in front
of the spring C and lift up the head I in the manner a cam wheel works
a tilt hammer.
or
Another of the Improvements forming part of my said Invention
consists in obtaining electric currents by causing a permanent magnet
or combination of permanent magnets to rotate through a helix or helices
of insulated wire. If I use one maguet only for this purpose I make
it of a circular form resembling a ring or hoop a portion of which has been
cut out of it and between the ends or poles of the magnet I fix a piece of some
non-magnetic body of the same breadth and thickness as the magnet so that
with the magnet it may form one continuous circle or ring I prefer how.
ever to use a combination of several magnets each of which I make in the
form of a segment of a circle of the size which I intend the combination to
assume when they are combined together and I make the magnets of such a size
or sizes that when put together with pieces of non-magnetic material between
their ends they shall form a circular hoop or ring of the intended dimensions

page_text: Each of the segmental magnets just mentioned may be a compound magnet
that is to say may be composed of several magnets or magnetized steel plates
placed one upon the other in the usual way I support a magnetic ring such
as above described (whether composed of one or several magnets) upon the
peripheries of three or more supporting or guiding wheels which I place
within the interior of the magnetic ring as shewn in figures 8 and 9 These
wheels I prefer to make with some soft or elastic material upon their peri-
pleries so as to hold the ring more steadily during its rotation I mount the
axes or spindles of these wheels in suitable bearings and I communicate
motion to the ring either through the medium of one or more of these guide
wheels or by means of a strap or belt applied to the exterior of the ring as
shewn in figure 8 I cause a magnetic ring made in any of the ways above
mentioned to rotate through the middle of one helix or several helices of in-
sulated wire the interior or bore of each helix being made sufficiently large to
permit the continuous rotation of the ring through it without touching the
interior of it In figure 8 I have shewn an elevation or side view of a
magnetic ring composed of two magnets supported upon three guide wheels
rotating through a single helix of insulated wire and having motion given to
it by means of a strap or belt applied to its periphery Figure 9 is an edge
view of the same and in each of these figures similar parts are marked with
similar letters of reference. A A and Z Z are the two magnets united
together by two connecting pieces C C.-B B B are three guide or sup-
porting wheels having flanges at their edges, and round the peripheries of
which between the flanges are fixed coverings of vulcanized India Rubber and
the wheels are placed in such positions that they shall hold the ring securely
in its proper position during its rotation D is the helix or coil made of in-
sulated wire fixed upon the support G and with two projecting ends a a of
the wire which may be connected with the connecting wires or other part of
any apparatus in conjunction with which the machine is to be used FF is
the strap or belt by means of which the ring is caused to rotate through the
helix When a magnetic ring of any of the above descriptions is put together
it must be introduced within each of the helices through which it will have to
rotate before fixing the last segment or piece of the circle of which the ring
shall be composed Although I have only shewn one helix or coil in these
figures the magnetic ring may be caused to rotate through two or more such
helices And if motion be given to the magnetic ring through the medium of
one or more of the guide wheels in lieu of a strap or belt the ring may be
made to rotate through a greater number of helices or coils I claim as this
part of my Invention the obtaining of electric currents by causing such magnetic

page_text: rings as aforesaid to rotate through a helix or helices of insulated wire in
manner aforesaid.
A further part of my said Invention consists in a mode of obtaining motion
by the agency of electricity by means of a permanent or electro magnet fixed
in one position and in front of the poles of this maguet a wheel rotates. On
the periphery of this wheel are fixed small electro magnets in connection with
a battery which on the revolution of the wheel pass close to the poles of the
fixed magnet but do not touch them and the novely of my Invention consists
in making these small electro-magnets neutral or feebly repulsive of the
large fixed magnet immediately they come opposite to its pole.
Another part of my said Invention consists in the use or application of
wheels similar to an apparatus called Barlow's rotating wheel for producing
motion For this purpose I mount several of such wheels upon the same
spindle or axis causing each of them to work in a separate trough or reservoir
of mercury or quicksilver I canse a current of electricity to pass successively
through each of these wheels and in the same direction in each wheel that is
to say from the centre to the periphery of each wheel or vice versa By the
combined action of several of these wheels motive power may be communi-
cated through the spindle on which they are fixed and the extent of the power
will depend upon the number of wheels mounted on the spindle and the strength
of the current of electricity employed
Another part of my said Invention consists of the combined use or appli-
cation of a plate or plates of lead as the positive plate or plates of a galvanic
battery with a plate or plates composed of any metal which is electro-negative
in relation to lead together also with a mixture of dilute nitric and sulphuric
acid as the exciting fluid.
Another Improvement forming part of my said Invention consists in the
combined use or application of tin as the positive plate or plates in a galvanic
battery with a plate or plates composed of any metal which is electro-negative
in relation to tin together also with a caustic alkaline solution as the exciting
fluid.
Another Improvement consists of a mode of obtaining electricity from a
thermo-electric battery this improvement consists in the application of heat
to the plates of the battery by means of a current or currents of dry air or any
fluid which is not a good conductor of electricity The same effect may be
produced by protecting the plates at the place or places where the heat is
applied by any non-conducting body such as glass or varnish through which
the heat may be conveyed to the plate or plates.

page_text: My Improvements in chemica! decomposition by the aid of electric currents
consists Firstly in the use of a U tube in cases where it may be desirable that
the products climinated shall not be mixed The same effect may also be
produced by a vessel divided into two parts by a partition which has an
aperture therein from one division to the other below the surface of the liquid
acted on. The positive wire from this battery is to be introduced into one leg
of the tube or compartment of the vessel and the negative wire into the other
leg or compartment When it is desired to prevent the admixture of any gas
evolved from a pole with the liquor under action I carry off such gas by putting
a pipe open at each end over the pole mentioned and in the decomposition of
bodies take chloride of sodium and reconvert it into other substance When
it is desired to maintain the liberated chlorine or other matter as long as possible
in contact with the liquor I cause the pole at which the chlorine or other
matter is liberated to be sunk deeply into the liquid and I make the passage
for the escape of the evolved gas &c as long and as tortuous as possible
Another of my said Improvements consists of a mode of purifying sugar in
solution by the action of electric currents For this purpose I immerse two
platina plates in connection with the galvanic battery in the solution of sugar to
be purified and I pass currents of electricity through these plates and the
solution in which they are placed for the purpose of causing the impurities
contained in the sugar to be separable by filtration
In witness whereof I the said Martyn John Roberts have hereunto
set my hand and seal this third day of January in the year of our
T
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