A NEW LIGHT,

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1618, 16 November 1882, Page 2

A NEW LIGHT,

Hakdly have we recognised the electric light as an accomplished fact (says the Engineer) before we are startled by. the invention of yet another great light. Au eminent analytical chemist in Harve, while making trial of a new compound, accidentally spilt some of it upon a sponge. The sponge was removed to a table upon which the sunlight was streaming, and nothing further was thought of it until late at night, when ? the chemist, happening to go iuto the room, was astonished at seeing a bright light on the table, which illuminated most of the room. He found that the light proceeded from the spouge, and instantly concluded that it was from his new compound. He immediately fetched the latter, but, to his surprise, found it gave no light. Determined to ascertain the truth, lie took the sponge and examined in microscopically, when he found that the light proceeded from- a large number of minute crystals. Shaking a few drop 3 of his compound upon another sponge, and examining it with the microscope, lie could not at first see anything, but upon bringing a light to bear upon it, he detected faint traces of crystals. So intent was he upon prosecuting his study, that it was daybreak before he could tear himself from his task. The following day he saturated both sponges with the compound, and exposed one to the sun's lays, leaving the other in a dark room, and was rewarded by rinding the sponge that had been exposed emitting a very beautiful l'ght far exceeding gas in softness and power. Since then he has made further experiment i, and exhibited the light in front of his premises, many hundred persons viewing it, amongst whom were the Mayor, Chief of Police, and other dignitaries. Airangements have now been m.ule for the pui pose of illuminating Havre Mith new light, 20,000, francis having been voted for that pu i pose. The invention has been perfected, so that the light is increased or concentrated by means of minors and lenses to a very great e\ti-iit. The mmlm opcrantU seems simply to be that the rays of the sun are absorbed by this new compound, which emits light for exactly that number of hours it lias been absorbing it. The new light wjll, it .is said, prove the cheapest and best of any yet produced.