THE NEW ELECTRIC LIGHT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5179, 27 October 1877, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE NEW ELECTRIC LIGHT.

The generation which has witnessed the introduction of gas for illuminating purposes may probably see it replaced, in some measure, by the electric light, a new and improved form of which was exhibited recently at the West India Docks to a large company of representatives of the scientific and commercial world. The new light is the invention of a Russian officer, M. Jabloohkoff, and its advantages consist in the distribution of the light to many burners from one electro-magnetic machine, and the abolition of the cumbersome and expensive clockwork machinery, uncertain in its action, but required in the old form of electric light to preserve the necessary distance between the incandescent carbon points. We can say nothing of the manner in which the distribution is effected, that feature not having been explained ; but four powerful lights, each stated to be equal to 100 gasburners, were used to illuminate the dockyard, and these were maintained by one machine. The device, by which the carbon po’nts are kept at the distance necessary to form a voltaic arc of constant length, is both ingenious and simple. The so-called “caudle,” from the point of which the light is produced, consists of two parallel strips of graphite, about oneeighth of an inch in diameter and four inches in length, insulated by a strip, of equal diameter, of composition (chiefly kaolin). The graphite and kaolin pencils are fitted into brass sockets, which can at any moment be connected with the wire from the electro-magnetic machine. The circuit being made, the points of the graphite become incandescent, and the kaolin which, while cold, is a perfect insulator becomes at the point intensely heated and a moderate conductor, and maintains the current during the slow combustion of the “candle," 'which it is stated will last an hour without renewal The light emitted is very brilliant and of a pale violet color, and fairly steady, though it seems subject to slightly varying degrees of intensity. The effect upon the complexion of the ladies present was by no means unfavorable; but we should imagine it would deal mercilessly with any artificial aids to beauty. A building fitted with the apparatus could be illuminated in all parts simultaneously, and it is stated that as many as fifty lights have been produced from one source, and that the Magasiu du Louvre was thus illuminated during several successive nights. Not the least interesting part of the exhibition was the lighting up of the hold of a ship lying in dock by means of a portable lantern connected by wire, Of course, with the electrical machine. An engine of about 4-horse power, working up to 351bs. on the square inch, was employed to give motion to the machine, re ulting in the production of light equal to -100 gas-burners; but a smaller engine, working at double the pressure, could be used with the same effect. We do not share the sanguine expectations of the inventor with regard to the universal adoption of the light. It will probably be used, in many warehouses and public buildings, and perhaps in theatres; .but the steam-engine will be likely to prevent its introduction into private houses, and we have no means of estimating the amount of battery power required to replace the steam-eugine aud produce the light, but it would bo very considerable. With a steamengine of 2-horse power the outlay is estimated at Is. Id. per hour for a light equal to that given by 100 gas-burners, which would be about ss. for the game time. The facility with which the new lights can be lighted aud put out, individually or collectively, by merely making or breaking the electrical circuit, is an advantage. The dangers attending the use of gas are entirely absent, and there is no odour whatever. The utility of the invention for lighthouses, in military operations, and for various maritime purposes, is obvious. Messrs.Denayrouze, of Southamptoa-street, are the English agents.—Exchange.