The science of electricity is progressing with gigantic strides; indeed, so much is this the case, that me are unacquainted with any science which has advanced so rapidly in the same comparatively short space of time. But three years since, and galvanic electricity was considered a mere philosophical plaything—a toy, and nothing more. And now, how vast the difference! It is on the waters, and the boatman may rest on his oars; it is below the waves, and the sea yields up her long-buried treasures; it is the miner’s right hand, for by its agency the hardest rocks are shivered, and torn from their solid foundations with celerity and safety. Time and space are as nothing; for by this subtle agent thoughts and words may be communicated for hundreds of miles with the celerity of lightning, and the utmost precision. It is in the laboratory of the chemist; and the most obstinate bodies yield before it, while the most beautiful works of art are copied with a delicacy and correctness absolutely marvellous. We have been led into these remarks from having lately seen some most delightful specimens of gilding and plating effected by galvanic electricity. Articles of plate are manufactured in copper, and submitted to galvanic action in a solution of gold or silver. The metal is at once precipitated from its solution, and deposited on the copper; a coating of silver or gold is thus given, which being polished, has all the appearance given by the ordinary method. Some further experiments have been recently made in Germany on this matter, and we are given to understand that much improvement is likely to result therefrom. It is our intention, in an early number, possibly in our next, to speak more fully on the subject of the electrotype and its derivative arts, when we trust to lay before our readers the experiments to which we have above alluded.
The Illustrated London News, London England, Week Ending June 18, 1842