This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: farwellwalter Surnames: Fulton, Hoe, Daguerre Classification: lookup Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.iowa.counties.fremont/7438/mb.ashx Message Board Post: THE FRONTIER GUARDIAN. JANUARY 23, 1852. Vol. III No.26. 4 - 2. "DISCOVERIES IN THE LAST HALF CENTURY".--There has been no period since the commencement of the world, in which so many important discoveries, leading to the benefit of mankind, were made as in the last half century. Some of the most wonderful results of human intellect have been witnessed in the last fifty years. Some of the grandest conceptions have been perfected. It is remarkable how the mind of the world has run into scientific investigation, and what achievements it has effected in that short period: (1). Before the year 1800 there was not a single steamboat in existence, and the application of steam to machinery was unknown. Fulton launched the first steamboat in 1807. Now there are 3000 steamboats traversing the waters of America, and the time saved in travel is equal to seventy percent. The rivers of every country in the world yearly are traversed by steamboats. (2). In 1800 there was not a single railroad in the world. In the United States alone there are now 8,797 miles of railroads costing $286,000,000 to build, and about 22,000 miles of railroad in England and America. The locomotive will now travel in as many hours a distance which in 1800 required as many days to accomplish. (3). In 1800 it took weeks to convey intelligence between Philadelphia and New Orleans; now it can be accomplished in minutes through the electric telegraph, which only had its beginning in 1843. Voltaism was discovered in March 1800. The electro magnet in 1821. Electrotyping was discovered only a few years ago. (4). Hoe's printing press, capable of printing 10,000 an hour is a very recent discover, but of a most important character. (5). Gas light was unknown in 1800; now any city or town of any pretence is lighted with it, and we have the announcemnt of a still great discovery by which light, heat and motive power may be all produced from water with scarcely any cost. (6). Daguerre communicated to the world his beautiful invention in 1839. (7). Gun cotton and choloroform are discoveries but a few years old. (8). Astronomy has added a number of new planets to the solar system. (9). Agricultural chemistry has enlarged the domain of knowledge in that important branch of scientific research, and mechanics have increased the facilities for production, and the means of accomplishing an amount of labor which far transcends the abilty of united manual effort to accompllish. The triumphs achieved in this branch of disovery and invention are enough to make the last half century as the that which has most contributed to augment personal comforts, enlarge the enjoyment, and add to the blessings of man. What will the next half century accomplish? We may look for still greater discoveries: for the intellect of man is awake exploring every mine of knowledge; and searcing for useful information in every department of art and industry. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.