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THE COLLAPSE OF THE ELECTEIC LIGHT. 
By W. H. STONE, F.R.C.P. 
Plate V. 
I T is hardly matter of surprise that the exaggerated expecta- 
tions formed a few months ago as to the illuminating power 
of electricity should have been succeeded by a reaction ; and that 
its practical value, from an estimate that was clearly excessive, 
should have fallen in public opinion to what is probably an 
equally unjust depreciation. Nor is it easy to acquit its undis- 
criminating advocates of ulterior designs, which were to a great 
extent accomplished in the remarkable, unreasoning, and panic- 
like depression which occurred in the shares of gas companies. 
Even if no stockjobbing element intruded itself, there may 
have been in the excitement a trace of the grim humour so 
characteristic of Americans, which aims at securing credence for 
a statement physically impossible by its grave and persistent 
iteration. It is not many years since the caustic temper of 
Brother Jonathan was immensely tickled by the universal belief 
in the older country that the Falls of Niagara had tumbled 
down ; and doubtless he laughed in his sleeve, and chuckled 
behind a mask of imperturbability, at the pale, anxious faces of 
gas directors and shareholders. At least one permanent good 
will have come, at any rate, out of this temporary evil, in the 
stimulus given to gas-lighting generally, and especially to the 
urgent need for remedying the discreditable and burglar- 
encouraging obscurity of our main thoroughfares. “ More light, 
more light,” in no metaphorical sense, is now the cry of the 
English public ; and though the tyranny of monopoly, which, in 
the case of gas, as well as water and drainage, renders the English- 
man’s house anything but his castle, will probably press heavier 
than ever, it may at least be hoped that the gas companies, having 
shown their hands, will for very shame continue to furnish the 
vastly more perfect system of street-lamps which they have 
lately inaugurated. 
Nothing has conduced to these scientific vicissitudes so much 
