New Incandescent Electric Light.

Manawatu Herald, 16 February 1899, Page 2

New Incandescent Electric Light.

». A (ew particulars with reference to the disoovery of a new nysten of incandescent electric light, by Professor Nernst, of Gottingen, »^p given in " Science." The light requires neither vacuum nor tender filaments. The essential point of the invention is that when magnesia is heated above 8000 degs 0. (a temperature far above the melting point of platinum), it becomes a good conductor, and a very weak current is sufficient to keep it in 9>n intensely luminous condition. EitjifN^' direct or alternating currents m»»y bo employed, and the magnesia ia little injured by use The preliminary beating Professor Nernst accomplishes by plaoingthe magnesia in the focus of a reflector. On the inner side of the reflector is a spiral wire of platinum, which when ; brought to incandescence, by a current, produces heat Rufficienl;-'^ render the magnesia a conductor ; r/ current is then panned directly through the oxide by the wire, and tbat in the spiral is shut off As advantages over the ordinary incandescent lamps Professor Nernut claim* that the same amount of light can brt furnished at one-tbird the cost, and as the magnesia allows of being heated to a much higher degree than a carbon filament a purer light is obtained. Tlfc successful employment of a cheaper pubatitute. for the. platinum is also announced, though the name is not made public.—" Nature."