IMPROVEMENTS IN OBTAINING AND DISTRIBUTING OR APPLYING ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM, AND IN OPTAINING MOTIVE POWER THEREFROM
Year: 1858

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Andrew Barclay, of Kilmarnock, in the County of
Ayr, North Britain, Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
OBTAINING AND DISTRIBUTING OR APPLYING ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM, AND
IN OPTAINING MOTIVE POWER THEREFROM"
T
Sealed the 10th June 1859, and dated the 23rd December 1858.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Andrew Barclay at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
23rd December 1858.
I, ANDREW BARCLAY, of Kilmarnock, in the County of Ayr, North Britain,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN OBTAINING AND DISTRIBUTING OR APPLYING ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM, AND
IN OBTAINING MOTIVE POWER THEREFROM," to be as follows, that is to say:-
This Invention relates to a simple and effective means of obtaining
electricity from the earth in great quantity, and in distributing and applying it
either in quantity or intensity to practical use. According to one modification
of these arrangements, the receiving end of a conducting wire or series of
wires is connected to a vertical or other line of parallel wires laid together,
and which line forms the centre of a series of transverse or radial wires; these
wires are so attached to the main central line, that the arrangement resembles
"bottle brush," the transverse radial wires taking the place of the bristles in
that utensil, and presenting a vast number of radial points for the collection
гр

page_text: and reception of electricity. This collector is sunk in the earth, so that each
wire point takes up a proportion of electricity, and the points, as a whole,
convey the electricity to the main central line of wire, and thence to the line
wire or conductor, which may be a telegraph cable, or a conductor to an
electric power machine. Instead of sinking this apparatus in direct contact
with the earth, it may be immersed in a well or chamber containing a
solution of sulphate of copper, or other matter, such solution being in com-
munication with the surrounding earth through the porcus sides of the well or
chamber. In this way the wires always preserve a fine clean metallic surface.
Instead of radial wires, metallic discs may be used for a similar purpose; in
the case of a telegraphic cable, one of these arrangements is fitted up at each
end, one being the collector, and the other the distributor of the electricity.
According to another modification, the apparatus may be so arranged as to
form an artificial battery in itself, one arrangement of wires or discs being
zinc, and the other copper.
Another part of this Invention relates to an apparatus operating generally
upon the galvano-metrical principle,and capable of use as well for telegraphic
purposes as for obtaining motive power. Under one simple form of this
apparatus,it consists of a pair of parallel electro-magnets, between which there
is a centred permanent magnet needle or bar. The poles of the electro-magnets
both point in the same direction, and a wire from a battery is brought to and
connected with the north pole, for example, of one of these electro-magnets
and it is continued from the opposite pole partially round the apparatus, and
there joined to the north pole of the other electro-magnet opposite to the north
pole of the first one, where the wire from the battery has been described as
being first connected. The wire then passes off from the opposite or south
pole of this second electro-magnet to the other pole of the battery. In this
way, by changing the poles of the battery as required, the alternate attraction
and repulsion existing between the stationaryelectro-magnets and the rotatory
har needle, or permanent magnet between them, can be made to produce
either a rotatory or partial rotatory action of the centred bar, magnet, or
needle. If used as a telegraphic apparatus, the centre of the moving magnet
carries au index hand for the purpose of displaying the signals. Two or other
number of needles, bars, or permanent magnets may be fitted up to work
according to this system, and either at right angles to each other or otherwise.
Under another forin both the fixed and rotatory parts of the apparatus may be
electro-magnets, the battery wire or wires being passed along and throughout
the series of both. If two fixed electro-magnets are used, they are placed
parallel with each other, and one or more rotatory needles, bars, or permanent

page_text: magnets are centred between them. One wire from the battery passes to
the south pole of one of the rotatory magnets, and it passes from the opposite
or north pole to the south pole of the other rotatory magnet if there are two
crossing each other, it then passes from the other end of this magnet to the
reverse pole of one of the stationary magnets, and so on throughout the entire
series of poles, and finally to the battery. To allow of the revolution of the
magnets without being interfered with by the wires connected to them, they
are passed loosely round the centre spindle, so as to run freely. This general
principle may be worked out with various numbers of magnets for giving
rotation to the working spindle on the galvanometrical principle. Both the
stationary and rotatory magnets may be of the horseshoe form, with the
working needle or inagnet between the two arms; and further, the working
magnet may be centred at one-end when used for telegraphic purposes.
Instead of coiling the wire for the different layers of the electro-magnets in
one continuous length or piece, each layer may be formed of a separate piece.
In all these arrangements for telegraphing herein-before referred to, the
centre of gravity of the rotating or vibrating parts is slightly below the centre
of motion, for the purpose of bringing back the parts to zero after use, or a
small spring is employed for the same purpose. Now, instead of relying upon
this principle, the vibrating arm may be set to work up against suitable stops,
and the needle is held there during a certain time or for a certain number of
beats, of a watch for instance. In this way the movement of the needle or
bar combined with the intervals or measurements existing between each, are
arranged to stand for certain signals, words, or indications. This principle is
of course applicable to various kinds of telegraphic apparatus. The appa-
ratus may also be made to print its signals by attaching rotatory printing
cylinders or wheels to the moving arm or arms, which wheels or cylinders
mark, as predetermined, upon a band or sheet of paper. To connect a good
conductor to a bad one of several lines or wires, the good conductor is attached
to each individual wire by a good conductor.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Andrew Barclay in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
23rd June 1859.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ANDREW
5 BARCLAY, of Kilmarnock, in the County of Ayr, North Britain, Engineer,
send greeting.

page_text: WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-third day of December, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight, in the twenty-second year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said Andrew Barclay, Her special license that I, the said Andrew
Barclay, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the
said Andrew Barclay, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
OBTAINING AND DISTRIBUTING OR APPLYING ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM, AND IN
OBTAINING MOTIVE POWER THEREFROк,"upon the condition (amongst others) that
I, the said Andrew Barclay, by an instrument in writing under my hand and
seal, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Inven
tion, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same
to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months
next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that the said Andrew Barclay, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the follow-
ing statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to
the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:-
My said Invention relates to a simple and effective means of obtaining
electricity from the earth in great quantity, and in distributing and applying it
either in quantity or intensity to practical use. According to one modification
of these arrangements the receiving end of a conducting wire or series of wires
is connected to a vertical or other line of parallel wires laid together, and
which line forms the centre of a series of transverse or radial wires. These
wires are so attached to the main central line that the arrangement resembles
a "bottle brush," the transverse radial wires taking the place of the bristles
in that utensil, and presenting a vast number of radial points for the collection
and reception of electricity. This collector is sunk in the earth, so that each
wire point takes up a proportion of electricity, and the points as a whole
convey the electricity to the main central line of wire, and thence to the line
wire or conductor, which may be a telegraph cable or a conductor to an electric
power machine. Instead of sinking this apparatus in direct contact with the
earth, it may be immersed in a well or chamber containing a solution of
sulphate of copper or other matter, such solution being in communication with

page_text: the surrounding earth through the porous sides of the well or chamber. In
Instead of
this way the wires always preserve a fine clean metallic surface.
radial wires, metal discs may be used for a similar purpose. In the case of a
telegraphic cable, one of these arrangements is fitted up at each end, one
being the collector, and the other the distributor of the electricity.
According to another modification, the apparatus may be so arranged as to
form an artificial battery in itself, one arrangement of wires or discs being
zinc and the other copper.
Another part of this Invention relates to an apparatus operating generally
upon the galvanometrical principle, and capable of use as well for telegraphic
purposes as for obtaining motive power. Under one simple form of this
apparatus it consists of a pair of parallel electro-magnets, between which there
is a centred permanent magnet needle or bar. The poles of these electro-
magnets both point in the same direction, and a wire from a battery is brought
to and connected with the north pole, for example, of one of these electro-
magnets and it is continued from the opposite pole partially round the appa-
ratus, and then joined to the north pole of the other electro-magnet opposite
to the north pole of the first one, where the wire from the battery has been
described as being first connected. The wire then passes off from the opposite
or south pole of this second electro-magnet to the other pole of the battery.
In this way, by changing the poles of the battery as required, the alternate
attraction and repulsion existing between the stationary electro-magnets, and
the rotatory bar, needle, or permanent magnet between them can be made to
produce either a rotatory or partial rotatory action of the centred bar, magnet,
or needle. If used as a telegraphic apparatus the centre of the moving magnet
carries an index hand for the purpose of displaying the signals. Two or
other number of needles, bars, or permanent magnets may be fitted up to work
according to this system, and either at right angles to each other or otherwise.
Under another form,both the fixed and rotatory parts of the apparatus may be
electro-magnets, the battery wire orwires being passed along, and throughout the
series of both. If two fixed electro-magnets are used they are placed parallel
with each other, and one or more rotatory needles, bars, or permanent magnets
are centred between them. One wire from the battery passes to the south
pole of one of the rotatory magnets, and it passes from the opposite or north
pole to the south pole of the other rotatory magnet, if there are two crossing
each other. It then passes from the other end of this magnet to the reverse
pole of one of the stationary magnets, and so on throughout the entire series
of poles, and finally to the battery. To allow of the revolution of the magnets
without being interfered with by the wires connected to them, they are passed

page_text: loosely round the centre spindle so as to run freely. This general principle
may be worked out with varicus numbers of magnets forgiving rotation to the
working spindle on the galvanometrical principle. Both the stationary and
rotatory magnetз may be of the horseshoe form, with the working needle or
magnet between the two arms; and further, the working magnet may be
centred at one end when used for telegraphicpurposes. Instead of coiling the
wire for the different layers of the electro-magnets in one continuous length or
piece, each layer may be formed of a separate piece. In all these arrange-
ments for telegraphing herein-before referred to, the centre of gravity of the
rotating or vibrating parts is slightly below the centre of motion for the
purpose of bringing back the parts to zero after use, or a small spring is em-
ployed for the same purpose. Now, instead of relying upon this principle the
vibrating arm may be set to work up against suitable stops, and the needle is
held there during a certain time, or for a certain number of beats, of a watch
for instance, in this way the movement of the needle or bar, combined with the
intervals or measurements existing between each, are arranged to stand for
certain signals, words, or indications. This principle is of course applicable to
various kinds of telegraphic apparatus. The apparatus may also be made to
print its signals by attaching rotatory printing cylinders or wheels to the
moving arm or arms, which wheels or cylinders work as predetermined upon a
band or sheet of paper. To connect a good conductor to a bad one of several
lines or wires, the good conductor is attached to each individual wire by a
good conductor.
of
And in order that my said Invention may ] properly understood, I shall
now proceed to describe the several illustrative Figures on the explanatory
Sheet of Drawings which I have hereunto appended for the purpose
showing certain inódifications under which my improvements may be
judiciously carried out in practice, that is to say:-
;
Figure 1 on the accompanying Sheet of Drawings is a partially sectional
elevation of one of my improved arrangements for obtaining electricity from
the earth; Figure 2 is a corresponding transverse section; Figure 3 is a
partiallysectional elevation of another modificationforaccomplishing the same
end; Figure 4 is a plan corresponding to Figure 3. Figure 5 is an elevation,
partiallysectional, of an apparatusarranged upon thegalvanometrical principle,
and adapted for telegraphic purposes; Figure 6 is a corresponding end view.
Figure 7 is an elevation, partially in section, showing an apparatus arranged
upon the same principle as in Figures 5 and 6, but adapted for obtaining
motive power therefrom; Figure 8 is a side view or longitudinal elevation
corresponding to Figure 7.

page_text: In arranging apparatus or means for obtaining electricity from the earth in
considerable quantity according to the modification shown in Figures land 2
in the accompanying Drawings, a trench A is dug in the earth. This trench
is made somewhat narrower towards the lower part, and is lined with clay, or
is coated with cement of a quality resembling or analogous to the porous
material used for diaphragms in the sustaining batteries invented by Professor
Daniell. The object of lining or puddling the trench either with clay or
cement is to make it hold or retain the saline solution that is put into it,so
that the fluid may be retained with as little waste from absorption as
practicable. The electricity is obtained by exposing an extended clean
metallic surface to the earth, and one mode of obtaining this large surface is
shown in Figures 1 and 2 on my Drawings. The receiving end of a coil of
copper wires B has inserted between its convolutions bunches or bundles of
smaller sized copper wire C. A number of these lengths of wire are taken so
as to form a small bundle, and this bundle of wire is inserted between two of
the parallel strands of the coil, which is then twisted so as to bind in the
inserted wires. Another and like quantity is taken and inserted between the
next or contiguous strands, and is held in by a twist of the main conducting
coil B. In this manner the coil B, which may be formed of two or any
greater number of main copper or other suitable metallic wires, is prepared
with these radially diverging wires, so that they form a cylindrical or other
form of coil closely resembling a bottle brush in figure, as shown in Figures 1
and 2 on the accompanying Drawings, and thus presenting an enormous
amount of surface and points for collecting or conducting the electricity
from the earth. This "collector, "as it may be termed, is made of a length
corresponding to the quantity or amount of electricity required, or a series
of these "collectors " may be made, and their central or main wires con-
nected together in one cominon or main conducting line. The collector is
placed in the trough or trench A, the end of the wire B being connected to
the pole or poles of the battery, and its poles to the telegraphic cable,
instruments, or other apparatus it is desired to work with the electricity so
obtained. The trough or trench A is filled with a saturated solution of a
metallic salt, of such a nature as will be decomposed by the galvanic action.
For this purpose I prefer a saturated solution of the sulphate of copper, but a
solution of other metallic salts will answer the purpose, so long as it be one
that the galvanic action will decompose, or slowly separate into its metallic
and acidulous constituents or elements. The principal object of immersing
the "collector" in the solution being to obtain and preserve unimpaired a
bright and clean metallic surface on the collector, and so long as this is the

page_text: case, its energy as an electrical conductor will continue undiminished.
According to my arrangement of the conductor, no sooner is the collector
immersed in the solution than decomposition commences, and the surface of
the metal is cleaned by the action of the liberated acid and the deposition of
new metal. Whereas, in the ordinary mode of placing metal plates in the
earth, they at once become oxidized, and greatly diminished in activity or
energy by the resistance which this coating of oxide offers to the electric
action. The strength of the soline solution is kept up to the point of saturation
by the addition from time to time of a small quantity of the crystals of the
salt; this diminution of strength in the solution is, however, very gradual.
Another mode of arranging these earth batteries is shown in Figures 3
and 4 on the accompanying Drawings. According to this modification a series
of trenches or troughs A, say, twelve feet long by one foot broad at the top,
or of other convenient size, are dug in the earth and arranged parallel to each
other, as shown in the Drawings referred to. These trenches are filled with a
metallic saline solution, and in each trench is placed six or other number of
copper plates B, which are arranged end to end and parallel to the sides of
the trench. The plates B are each connected by means of three or other
number of copper wires C with the principal branch wires D, the extremities
of which are carried to and connected with the main conducting wire E. The
amount of metallic surface exposed in these batteries or earth connections is
calculated upon the following assumption:--If a wire or given surface of copper
be placed in the earth, the quantity of electricity it obtains from the earth is only
one hundred and fifty millionth part of what it would have if placed in a well
constructed and active battery. If, therefore, I wish to obtain a given quantity
of electricity from the earth, I connect the wire with a quantity of saline
Solution, the conducting power of which is equal to the quantity of electricity
required; and this solution is exposed to an earth surface of sufficent area to
supply the requisite amount of electricity. These conditions are fulfilled by
means of my arrangements of batteries and earth connections; the wire is
connected by the plates or "collector" with the saline solution, which in its
turn is caused to conduct the electricity from the earth by placing it in the
trenches as described. Although more expensive as regards the first outlay
for inetal for the establishment of the batteries or earth connections, there is
no subsequent waste or loss either by the diminution of the metal of the
"collector" or the decomposition of the saline solution; moreover, the power
is not impaired by time, which is an advantage of incalculable value in the
application of electricity to useful purposes. As extent of conducting surface
is the point aimed at in the construction of the earth batteries or conductors,

page_text: coke or other conducting material may be used in lieu of the copper plates or
"collectors "herein-before described. For other purposes these batteries may
be arranged to give off an increased amount of electricity by placing zinc and
copper or other opposite galvanic elements in the trenches, and other exciting
or conducting solutions may be used for immersing the plates or conductors.
The second part of my present Invention relates to the arrangement of
apparatus adapted for telegraphic purposes, and under another modification
for obtaining motive power therefrom. One form of apparatus adapted for
telegraphic purposes is shown in Figures 5 and 6 of my Drawings. It may
be here stated that the principle upon which this apparatus and machinery is
constructed is fully explained and illustrated in the Specification of British
Letters Patent granted to me, and bearing date the Tenth day of December,
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight. The apparatus, as arranged in
Figures 5 and 6 on the accompanying Drawings,consists of a base or platform
F,on which is fixed the parallel frames G; these are connected to each other
by the transverse stays H. Across the centre of the instrument is arranged a
spindle I, the pointed extremities of which press against the adjustable
supporting screws J. On the spindle I are fixed three or other number of
series of magnets K, each series being composed of four magnets, arranged
to diverge radially and equidistantly from each other. These series of
permanent magnets K are fitted on the spindle I, parallel to each other, and
the number may be increased at pleasure according to the power required.
Between the magnets K are arranged the bars L, which form the cores of the
electro-magnets whose attraction and repulsion give motion to the magnets K.
The ends of the bars L pass through the stays H, to which they are secured;
the insulated copper wire M is wound upon the bars or cores L, so that it
commences at the north pole of the electro-magnet Number 1, it is coiled
upon the core L until the predetermined length has been wound thereon.
The wire M is carried off from the south pole of Number 1 magnet to the
north pole of Number 2 magnet, as shown at the upper part of Figure 5 in
the accompanying Drawings. After the requisite quantity of wire has been
coiled upon the number 2 magnet, the wire passes on to form the second series
of electro-magnets, which are arranged parallel to the first pair, and have
their poles pointing in corresponding directions. The extremity of the wire
M, which commenced at the north pole of the first electro-magnet,is connected
to the north pole of the battery, and the wire which passes off from the south
pole of the last electro-magnet in the series is connected to the south pole.
As in a telegraphic instrument, a vibratory and not a rotatory motion is required;
the magnets K are arranged so that the north and south poles of two con-

page_text: tiguous magnets both point in the same direction, whilst in the other two
magnets the north and south poles are contiguous, as is shown by the letters
N and S, marked on the ends of the magnets in Figure 5. By this arrange-
ment the two north poles, which are pointing upwards in the Figure, are
attracted by the south pole of Number One electro-magnet or that to the
left hand, whilst the north pole of Number Two electro-magnet repels the
contiguous north pole of the permanant magnet. A corresponding movement,
but in reverse order, being made at the opposite ends of the magnets K, the
extremities of the laterally diverging magnets being in like manner attracted
and repelled by the contiguous poles of the electro-magnets. In this manner
a motion of the magnets K to the left is obtained, and if the polarity of the
electro-magnets be now changed, a movement in the opposite direction will
take place. To make these movements visible, upon the exterior of the casing
of the instrument an index N is fitted to the spindle I, a predetermined
number of vibrations of which to the right or left being understood to indicate
a certain letter or numeral. In arranging the instruments for the transmission
and receipt of signals through long lengths of telegraphic cable, I prefer using
in place of the short and rapidly moving magnets K,other magnets of greatly.
increased length. These longer and more powerful magnets may be actuated
by comparatively weak currents of electricity transmitted through the coil.
And instead of causing the signals to be interpreted by the number of
vibrations from side to side, the stationary position of the index during a
certain predetermined time is interpreted as meaning a certain letter, word,
or numeral. In this way when the operator at one end of the telegraphic
cable sends a message, he would first put an audible signal apparatus in
action at the opposite end of the cable; the attention of the attendant
being thus directed to the index, he notices when it moves to the right or
left, and counts the number of seconds or other divisions of time it remains
in one position, the number thus obtained being the signal. To facilitate
and assist the attendant in counting, a "loud beat" astronomical time-keeper.
is placed in the receiving room at either end of the cable.
The arrangement shown in Figures 7 and 8 on the accompanying Drawings
is based upon an electro-magnetic power engine, described in the Specification.
of the Letters Patent herein-before referred to. The engine shown in Figures.
7 and 8 of my Drawings is arranged with a casing O, through the centre of
which passes the shaft P, to which are fixed the rotatory magnets Q. Each of
these moveable magnets consists of three Hat steel bars crossing each other, as
shown in Figure 7, and screwed up so as to form practically a single maguet,
or they may be electro-magnets constructed with iron cores and coils of

page_text: insulated wire. Between the magnet Q are disposed four horse-shoe shaped
electro-magnets R, which are supported by attaching the cores to the stays S.
The wire T is wound on to each core, commencing at the north pole and
passing off at the south pole; from which it is carried to the north pole of the
next core, and so on throughout the series. The poles of the wire Tare con-
nected to a commutator for rapidly changing the polarity of the electro-magnets,
such an apparatus is fully described in the Specification of my Invention before
referred to;
the terminal wires of the battery being also connected to the
battery, the vertical arms of the electro-magnets Ralternately exert a powerful
lateral attractive and repulsive force on the rotatory magnets. The rotatory
motion of the magnets Q carries round the shaft P, the motion of which is in
its turn conveyed to the machinery or other purpose where the power is
required.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel
and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the
herein-before in part recited Letters Patent, is,-
First, the general arrangement and construction of apparatus or machinery
for obtaining, distributing, or applying electricity and magnetism as herein-
before described.
Second, the system or mode of conducting electricity from the earth by
means of conductors constructed, as herein-before described, and arranged in
trenches or troughs dug in the ground, and filled or partially so with a saline
solution in which the conductors are immersed, as herein-before described and
shown in the accompanying Drawings, or any mere modification of the said
arrangements.
Third, the system or mode of forming cells or galvanic batteries in the earth,
the galvanic elements being arranged in trenches or troughs fitted or partially
so with the exciting or conducting fluid, as herein-before described.
Fourth, the system or mode ofarranging and constructingelectric telegraphic
apparatus in which the index or pointer is actuated or put in motion by means
of a series of electro-magnets acting in a lateral direction upon a series of
moveable magnets, which are fast to the spindle of the index, as herein-before
described and shown in the accompanying Drawings.
Fifth, the system or mode of communicating telegraphic signals by intervals
of time, in which the index being retained in one position during a certain
predetermined time, conveys the intended signal, letter, word, or numeral,
as herein-before described.

page_text: Sixth, the system or mode of arranging and consti ucting electro-magnetic
power engines, in which horse-shoe shaped electro-magnets are arranged
round or diverging radially from the main shaft of the engine, the said electro-
magnets exerting a lateral action or force on the moveable magnets disposed
between them or parallel thereto, as herein-before described and shown in the
accompanying Drawings.
It witness whereof, I, the said Andrew Barclay, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-second day of June, One thousand eight
hundred and fifty-nine.
ANDREW BARCLAY. (L.S.) ·