256 Master Minds of Modern Science 



process. In this powdered anthracite coal is mixed with 

 a small proportion of sand, and then when electrically 

 heated produces graphite. At Niagara some six thousand 

 tons of graphite are made yearly by the Acheson process. 



Cheap electricity will cause a revolution in British 

 households, which will not only light but also cook by 

 electric power. There will be no need for ice, because 

 electrical refrigerators will keep food cold and sweet, nor 

 for brooms, because electric vacuum-cleaners will extract 

 the dust far more quickly and cheaply. Electric fires will 

 keep the rooms warm in winter, and electric fans will cool 

 them in summer. A sewing-machine can be run all day 

 for a pennyworth of current, and curling-irons can be 

 conveniently heated for a minute sum. The old clumsy 

 hot-water bottle will be superseded by the electric bed- 

 warmer, which is just a harmless wire in a woollen bag. 

 Knives can be cleaned by electricity, and toast can be 

 made fresh and crisp on the breakfast-table. Many 

 women have realized already the advantages of using the 

 electrically heated flat-iron. 



Dust and dirt will disappear in the electric house, and 

 disease germs will vanish with the dirt. Perhaps the 

 greatest benefit of cheap electricity will be that we shall 

 all be able to use artificial sun-baths in our own houses. 

 Rheumatism, colds, and skin diseases will be defeated, 

 and we shall enjoy better health than ever before. 



Some people are still nervous about introducing elec- 

 trical power into their houses. They are afraid of fire or 

 of getting shocks. There is no excuse for any such fears 

 nowadays, for insulation is practically perfect, and the 

 fuses guard against any danger from an increase in 

 current. For cooking-stoves a low voltage is usually 

 employed, so that there is little risk even if anything 

 does go wrong, which is very unlikely. 



And what of the power stations themselves? When 

 asked this question, the engineer in charge at Bedford 



