We have now given somewhat in detail the following processes that are
carried on at Niagara Falls through the agency of electricity, viz.: The
reduction of aluminum from its oxide alumina; the production of the new
and useful compound called carborundum; the formation of calcium carbide
used for the production of acetylene gas, and a large chemical works,
where bleaching-powder is made. In addition to these works, there is an
establishment for the production of sodium from caustic potash, which is
one of the products arising from the decomposition of salt in the
bleaching-powder works. There is also another establishment for the
production of phosphorus made from the bones and shells obtained from
the phosphate beds that abound in some of the southern states, on the
coast of the Atlantic Ocean. There is in process of construction a plant
for the purpose of manufacturing chlorate of potash by an electrical
process. In addition to these establishments mentioned, the electricity
is furnished for power purposes to the Niagara Electric Light Company;
to the electric railway between Niagara and Buffalo; to the Niagara
Falls Railway, on the opposite side of the river; to the Niagara Power
and Conduit Company of Buffalo, and the Niagara Development Company.
This is only a small beginning of the uses to which electricity will be
put as an agent for the development of heat, light and power as well as
for the production of all substances where electrolysis is the chief
factor. Sixteen companies or more are now using electricity from the
Niagara power-house,--the whole amounting to about 35,000 horse-power.
CHAPTER XXIX.
THE NEW ERA.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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