Year: 1878

ery reminds us forcibly that we are
living in ala age OF progress and de-
yelopment. In the forward march OF
the human race, America to day
anis in the front rank among the
nations of the world. One day we
stand aghast at the wonders of the
latest result of inventive genius,
and the next we busy ourselves in
applying the newly. found principle
in subserving our necessities or less
ening our labor. When Newton,
Herschel, Franklin and Fulton aston
ished the world by their discoveries,
mankind would not readily accept
new theories; but as time rolls on
and an Edison rises, like star of
the first magnitude among the bril-
liant galaxy of progressive minds,
we grasp the new ideas with amaz'
ing alacrity, and receive detailed de
scriptions Of the practical workings
of each new machine as though such
things were of the commonest oc
currence. The mere ripple OF surprise
which greeted the introduction of the
phonograph had scarcely died away
when the genius of the age came
forward with an announcement that
electricity might be utilized to su-
persede gas, petroleum and other
substances.


The light, as perfected in Europe,
is a very bright white light, and
could not be used for domestic pur-
poses, without modification. A few
public buildings in Paris were lighted
by it, but we do not gather from the
accounts that the electric light, as
there developed, would supercede
the gas light, unless further improve
ments were made. 1t was reported
not long since, however, that an
electric light exhibited from the
dome of Maryland Agricultural Col
lege, was so intensely brilliant and
strong that time could be read by it
on the dials of a watch, two miles
distant, at midnight.


From late New York papers
we learn that the gas stocks of that
city have fallen materially Of late.
In one instance the reduction was as
much as 20 per cent, which was at
tributed TO the fact that Edison's
late discoveries include one regard
ing the application of electric light,
which is important. 1t is said that
he regulates the flow OF electricity;
that there are no carbon candles and
no steam engines. He produces a
soft light, like gas jet, and distrib-
utes it as he pleases; and, according
to his account, it is economical.


If Prof. Edison can produce
clear light from electricity, which
will be cheaper than the present cost
of gas light, he will be justly regard
ed as one Of the greatest benelac-
tors Of the age. We must not, how
ever, expect too much. Experience
has taught US that whenever a dis
covery is claimed, affecting any lead
ing article OF consumption, it is al
ways heralded by money sharps who
impose upon the credulous public to
advance private interests. For in.
stance, shrewd dealers IN gas stocks
will circulate the wondrous electric
light stories to depreciate the value
of their property and then invest
heavily while prices are down. a
depression of twenty. five per cent.
would put millions in the pockets OF
few spectators. Notwithsrand.
ing all doubts that force themselves
before the public, the results attend
ing Prof. Edison's labors in the past
encourage US to believe that there is
no hoax about this matter, and that
the public will ere long enjoy the
immense benefits indicated in the
prospect.