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Topic: Keely Information Section: The Doom of Steam part 2 Table of Contents to this Topic |
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MR. KEELYÕS DIFFICULTIES. He has had to use tons of metal where others required only pounds. He has had to guard against disaster while dealing with a force greater than that of gunpowder; even of unknown extent and character. His temporary safeguards and devices for researching the qualities of this force, are all of his invention. They have cost large sums of money, and had they all been presented, would make an interesting museum of mechanical curiosities. Many tons of these have been sold from time to time as old iron, brass and copper. One apparatus thus disposed of weighed twenty-two tons. Several similar ones, though somewhat lighter, have likewise gone to the scrap-heap. From this source money has often been raised by the inventor when a little was absolutely necessary, and those who had betrayed his confidence or preyed upon his generosity, would not offer a dollar for his relief or to advance the work. He has toiled through periods of almost destitution, while the papers, religious, secular anal scientific, were ignorantly asserting or intimating that he was fraudulently growing rich on a " baseless bubble. " When his own capital with other moneys became exhausted in the work, he used his salary. This also was reduced and finally discontinued. He then sold one after another of his personal effects, among which were costly scientific instruments; and even threatened to sacrifice his household furniture, in order to buy materials and pay mechanics Ñ anything rather than allow the work to stop. Such were the seasons of stringency when schemers came to offer a little relief; not with what was due to him or the Company, but for new sacrifices of valuable interests; showing thereby motives which may sometimes be at the bottom of acts, under a guise of ostensible magnanimity. Some of the directors and others have also made small advances in a few instances, but all have been repaid except the inventor, who is now the Company's creditor for more than $50,000 cash advanced by him to prosecute the work. This does not look like a want of confidence in his own inventions. But he is in a fair way to be rewarded Ñ by a large share in the common lot of great benefactor Ñ of knowing that he has enriched others, and acquired for himself Ñ a name. If peradventure more, by late precautions, albeit untimely, good men everywhere will rejoice at his escape. By his genius, and through this discovery, civilization is about to make the greatest advance of history. COMPREHENSIVE POWER. The principle of this power is vastly more comprehensive than any now in use, is limitless as that of the lever, is universal in application, and reaches to so many results not yet attained, that human comprehension is inadequate to grasp its possibilities for power, for prosperity, and for peace. It includes all that relates mechanically to travel, transportation, manufacture, mining, engineering and warfare; and with these a change in many scientific theories. It is iconoclastic. Mr. Keely has discovered a new world; and, although a wilderness unexplored and of untold wealth lies beyond, he is treading firmly its border, which daily widens, as with deepening interest he pushes his explorations, and amplifies the expanse between the marches of science and his advancing frontier. He has passed the shadowy realm where physicists are groping. His researches are beyond the scintillating horizon of molecular physics and radiant matter, in the open field of elemental force, where gravity, cohesion, inertia and momentum are disturbed in their haunts and diverted to use; Ñ where from unity of origin emanates infinite energy in diversified forms, and with manifold expression responds to the earnest invocations of man; Ñ and where, as elsewhere, plastic nature will accommodate herself to the requirements of art, when genius makes the proper appeal. THE MOTOR is only one among several features of Mr. Keely's discovery; but being the chief subject of comment and discussion, our attention here must be mainly occupied with it, in relation to its machinery, Ñ the generator and the engine. These two mechanisms, together with the force produced by the one and used by the other, make up what are comprehensively spoken of as the Keely motor; just as we say locomotive, or steam engine; meaning the fire-box, the boiler, the engine and the steam. As in this case the motor is an energy called expansion or pressure; using vaporized water as its body or medium; so, in a definite sense, the Keely vapor is the body or medium of the force which it carries, and which is properly called the motor. WHAT IS IT ? Steam and Keal (or Keely vapor), however, must not be regarded as in any sense the same, or even similar. As they are opposite in origin, so are they different in action. Their properties are manifestly unlike. One is derived from heat or combustion, and so, may be said to have a chemical origin. The other is a production of mechanical action, or force Ñ spontaneous force. The latter, therefore, is more natural than the former, since less of effort and appliance are necessary to produce it. The hypothesis that heat and force are equivalents, alternates, and interchanging properties of matter, leads logically to the conclusion that energy may be evolved from water as an effect of the latter, as well as a product of the former; Ñ and perhaps energy which may be transformed and utilized with vastly greater facility and economy. If so, then efficiency only remains to be considered. Practically these are all settled by Mr. Keely in favor of the force theory. MECHANICAL versus CHEMICAL FORCE. The mechanical forces of nature are as abundant and spontaneous as the chemical affinities. If not more admirable or essential, they are more stupendous and sublime. They are the macrocosmic agencies of the universe by which its colossal operations are carried on; while the chemical or microcosmic activities, although equally efficient, are less majestic in operation. The chemical creates; the mechanical controls. * * * * * A little reflection will enable the average mind to see in the times a tendency to movements on a grander scale. The expanding energies and activities of man are demanding LARGER FIELDS OF OPERATION. For this development, new systems must supervene upon the present. Coal is limited. Chemicals are costly. Power and speed have well-nigh reached their maximum under the agency of steam, while ordnance and iron-clads are vieing with each other in the overstrained arts of war, and the question is already mooted of returning to simpler methods. THE MECHANICAL or physical is supervening upon the chemical and the animal, in many operations, as nature's laws are better understood, and advantages being taken thereof to accomplish great ends. By directing energies already at work, rivers are made to deepen their beds and change their banks, while hydraulic mining adds its evidences of the power of liquids over solids. These are crude illustrations of the finer controlling the coarser, and are but little above the base of great ascents, upon which we have just started. The telephone begins to supplant the telegraph, and is among the beginnings of vibro-dynamics. These are the pointed shadows of events which are approaching with startling rapidity Ñ of industrial, commercial and martial revolutions exceeding those of the past century by vaster strides under higher forces than combustion or chemical action. By spontaneous force we mean gravity, elasticity, etc. Vibration, whether considered as a force or a motion, is an inherent property, or concomitant of matter, and therefore spontaneous. EXPLANATION DIFFICULT. Mr. Keely's method of producing and using power is so entirely original, and the character of the energy evolved and employed is so unlike any other, that an attempt to describe the process or the product, or to explain the principle, must be made with hesitation and attended with difficulty; as there is nothing in the annals of experience or the facts of science to afford a starting-point for the understanding. To explain the nature of electricity, its origin and effects, would be equally difficult, if that were a newly discovered force. It is nearly so even now. The force under consideration and the mechanical means by which it is educed and economized, are as occult and unique as those which belong to electricity. Yet they are no more like electricity or any of its apparatus, than these are like steam and its machinery. To fully describe the motor would require some illustrations. The Generator is undoubtedly the strongest mechanism in the world. It weighs about three tons, will stand freely in a space five feet long and high by two feet wide. It contains small spherical chambers, mathematically differentiated in size, connected vertically by tubular processes of iron, and irregularly by smaller ones of copper. One quart of water fills all the chambers and tubes intended to be filled. This apparatus is upright in position, and has five distinct parts or columns; called the central column, two side columns, the front and back stand-tubes. These stand-tubes are similar in appearance, but are opposite in action. The two side columns are alike. The central or main column is larger than the other four combined, and more complex in structure. Neither heat, electricity, or chemicals are employed. Compressed air forms no part of the product, as supercilious "criticsÓ called scientists, have supposed. Air is water-locked in some of the chambers and tubes, where, by its elasticity, introductory impulses are given to the water when equilibrimn is disturbed. This disturbance is effected by the movement of an outside lever operating a four-way valve within. There are no other metallic movements inside, except the working of three independent valves. The apparatus, therefore, is practically without wear, and not liable to get out of order. MAKING THE VAPOR. Under a tendency to descend, and the high activity of air, at light and opposing tensions; water is expelled in minute globules through fixed, and strong, but delicately adjusted devices, which successively separate it into multiplying tenuities, until it reaches a form finer than can be produced by any practicable degree of heat. Then it is dispersed into an adjacent chamber where conditions are suitably arranged for still higher rarefaction, and consequent augmentation of energy, by vibratory action, producing molecular separation until it becomes much finer and lighter than hydrogen gas. CHARACTER OF THE VAPOR. It is retainable like a fixed gas, is independent of temperature, but is instantly condensible by mechanical means from an enormous pressure to a very high vacuum. It will remain in a chamber for months without sensible depreciation. It has been held at a pressure of more than fifty thousand pounds per square inch. Pressure, however, is not its HIGHEST ATTRIBUTE. It is eminently a medium of vibratory energy, and as such is used to the best advantage. COST OF PRODUCTION. With a substantial mechanism of iron and copper, fixed in all of its parts; and with water and air as the only materials consumed, it is readily seen how costless and exhaustless must be the materials for power thus derived. Smaller generators will be ample for ordinary purposes. This one is believed by the inventor to be capable of producing power sufficient for engines aggregating ten thousand horses. This, however, is on account of the character of his engine as adapted to the qualities of the force. The generator, the force, and the engine are unique in their kind, and marvellous in practicability and power. THE ENGINE IS ROTARY in its mode of working, and being moved by pulsations or wave motions, is properly called a vibratory engine. Three of these engines are now undergoing construction or completion. The smallest one stands within two feet square of space, and is estimated to be sufficient for ten or twelve horse power. The largest will stand within less than ten feet square of space, and be of twelve to fifteen hundred horse power. The one which is now undergoing graduation stands within four feet, and will have a capacity of perhaps forty or fifty horse power. This is the one upon which experiments are now being made for completing the scale, or formulae, which will enable any one to graduate and handle similar engines with readiness and ease. The graduation of this one is the graduating of all others of its kind. Being wholly experimental, it is a somewhat lengthy process, and necessarily requires a very uncertain amount of time. These engines may be noiseless, or caused to emit agreeable sounds. The vapor does not escape when used, but collects in a receptacle provided for it. A gallon reservoir may contain enough of the vapor to run a street car an entire day, and can be refilled in a second of time. Instant stopping or reversing of these engines will be eminently practicable, Ñ taking effect on the whole machinery with the quickness of gravity, acting upon every molecule at once, so that it can be instantly checked or changed in motion without friction brakes, or danger of braking. Another astonishing peculiarity, hitherto unknown in mechanical power, is shown m the running of this engine. Any given rate of speed at which it is set to run is maintained, irrespective of kind or amount of work done. This is demonstrated by levers used as brakes; also by strong ropes or wires which are broken at quick or slow speed without checking the motion when they are straightened, or apparent acceleration when they give way. These seemingly extravagant statements are proven facts which will become familiar in a reasonably short time. In Gunnery this force is found to be vastly superior to powder, on account of several qualities which will be made a subject for treatment hereafter in connection with other features of its economy. NOT COURTING FOR CAPITAL. With the Keely Motor enterprise as affording opportunities for investment, we have nothing here to do. That depends as much upon management in the Company, as merit in the invention. It is enough that we take the iventor's higher view; looking at it in the light of science enhanced by its advent, and speculate upon its possibilities as a means to greater ends than have hitherto been subjects of human contemplation. In this light, with such a view, and to these ends will its principles and prospects be further considered. SUMMARY OF THE SITUATION. The stage of advancement now reached by Mr. Keely may be briefly summarized as follows: Generator mechanically completed three years ago. Not yet fully graduated, but far enough to prove it to be approximately perfect for producing the so-called vapor of all grades or qualities, from 0 to 54,000 lbs. of inch pressure. The control of this vapor may also be considered nearly perfect. It has been tested in all conceivable ways, and found to be superior to any other known medium for pressure, vacuum, elasticity, retention, and especially for the essential property of vibratian. Even for telegraphing, it has been proved successful on 4,000 feet of wire. For any of its applications it will not be brought into practical use until patents are obtained. The plans for its application as motive power are perfected, and its efficiency pretty well known. The mechanical constructions of engine and gun arewell-nigh completed. The graduation of the engine is being pushed with all possible vigor consistent with safety, and a thorough knowledge of principles necessary to be understood and explsõned for others to use. The mechanism must be perfectly adjusted, and the two forces (All force is dual - as electricity is both positive and negative.) harmonized in order to move with the maximum of speed and power, without danger, and with the best results. For this purpose, the process called graduation is carried on by steps, degrees, or lines, one hundred in number. Notes are being carefully taken under all the changes of mechanism, and of quality and degree, in the force applied. A proper understanding of these is necessary to a perfect system in handling before it can be safely brought into general use. When Mr. Keely will get through it is impossible to say. To so many uses can this new feature of force be applied, with the vast changes in machinery necessitated by its introduction that, with a man of his enterprising spirit, invention will cease only when his activities end. With regard to the engine and its demonstration as a practical success in motive power, this may be reasonably looked for within a few weeks, or a few months at the farthest. Unforeseen accidents, or unwise management, may cause delay, or favoring circumstances may hasten success. False reports of promises upon shorter time may again find their way into the papers, for which due allowances should be made. FINANCIALLY, the Keely Motor Company is in a good condition for all demands upon its resources, provided its affairs are properly conducted. The prospect for this has very much improved during the past year. At the last election, in December, 1880, a new element was brought into the Board, which has developed more real business energy, activity and integrity than has been shown before since the Company was organized. This has given new courage to the inventor, and to stockholders generally who are acquainted with the situation. IN POPULAR ESTIMATION the Motor is growing rapidly. This is evinced by the increasing number of earnest inquiries and expressions from business and thinking men, as the inventorÕs progress enables him to give more satisfactory demonstrations. A few papers of high standing, which have always treated the invention and its author with fairness, are now speaking more strongly in their favor, while the satirists have grown more respectful, and sensational cynics have, for the most part, either sought obscurity in silence on the subject, or are making haste to redeem themselves by a change of attitude, and so avoid the necessity of retracting at a later day, under the pressure of public enthusiasm over the MotorÕs success. This order is reversed in the case of the ÒAmerican Machinist,Ó which comes in at this late hour and puts itself on record as a skeptic. This it does on the opinion of one Charles H. Emery, D. Pd., of New York, who, upon witnessing one of Mr. KeelyÕs recent exhibitions, like several other Òexperts,Ó got compressed air on the brain. Mr. KeelyÕs refusal to suspend operations in the presence of twenty gentlemen (who did not desire it), to hear Mr. Emery deliver himself of his compressed air theory, and then to take the machinery apart and convince him of his error, started him on a hunt about the neighborhood for a steam engine that might be found working up compressed air for Mr. KeelyÕs use. The ÒMachinistÓ also took an affront, and showed its resentment by saying in a recent number, ÒWe have somehow lost our interest in the Keely Motor since that exhibition.Ó Having been repeatedly asked, before and since the New York lectures, why that paper called the ÒScientific AmericanÓ has always and persistently antagonized the Keely Motor, it is presumable that the same query exists with others who have not a fair opportunity to seek an explanation. It may therefore, be in order here to give one, for the benefit of editors outside of New York, and others who are not acquainted with the proclivities of that journal. Instead of framing an answer, however, it will give better general satisfaction to state a few facts, and thus afford each one an opportunity to draw his own comclusions. 1. Mr. Keely has not placed the patenting of his inventions under the fostering care of Munn & Co. 2. He has never paid a dollar to the editor of that paper, either for a puff or a hush-money. (He has treated all papers alike in this respect.) 3. He has never deigned to answer its scurrility, nor to publish any statements in its columns. With these facts before the reader, he may safely be trusted to make his own comments. In a recent issue of that paper there is a Òconfession that we do not know any more about the Motor than we did before the lectures were delivered.Ó Barring the confession, this is precisely the result anticipated by the lecturer, after five minutesÕ private conversation with its editor. Fortunately, quite a number of intelligent gentlemen who heard these lectures, plainly showed by their questions and remarks, that they were not afflicted with the editorÕs malady. |
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