PETROL FROM WATER.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17748, 27 April 1923, Page 7

PETROL FROM WATER.

THE INVENTOR AND THE SCEPTIC.

The English motor-cyclist, Mr E. J. L. Strong, who has given some evidence that with the addition of a powder and a small quantity of a special liquid he can convert water into motor fuel, writing to the Press, states that "only a very small proportion of the world—the disinterested world, that is—is sceptical" regarding his claim. He also quotes from an article in the '' Daily Mail," entitled "A Eomance of 'X' Bays," as follows: —"Sir William Crookes happened upon the existence of these very rays before Von Rontgen, announced his discovery to an unbelieving world," and adds: "It is an undeniable fact that practically _ every discovery of a really revolutionary nature has been announced to an ' unbelieving' world." Mr Strong is finding it difficult to patent his formula, but is investigating the possibilities. Concluding, he says:—"lf I And that I cannot the fuel I propose to run through the London-Land's End trial to it, and after tliat_ to make the formula public by disclosing it in the Press, unless I think of a better plan in the meantime. The only objection to such a course would be that the scoffers would benefit equally with the rest of the community, and I am human enough not to desire that. However, if it is to be of no use to me commercially the world may as well have it."

Under the date of February Ist. th© editor of the "Petroleum Times,' referring to Mr Strong's claim, says that if the inventor explailis how he transfers oxygen into carbon he will remove much scepticism respecting his petrol from water invention; and the editor of "Oil Engineering" shares this view, stating that he cannot give any credence to Mr Strong's claims. "Such substitutes," he adds, "demand very rigid and important tests before acceptance." Professor A. M. Low believes that nothing is impossible, but thinks that a simple test could bo aranged that at the same time would amply safeguard the inventor; but hop s that the present case is not like several similar ones previously tested by him. _ Tho Anglo American Oil Co. ; Ltd., simply says, in reply to questions, that "it is not in a position to pass any opinion on the claim which has been made." In the following issue of the journal (February Bth), Mr Strong replies to his critics. In the first place he reminds the fuel experts that ne does not produce "petrol" frojn water. "But," he adds, "I have no quarrel with these gentlemen on their attitude; it is natural, they have a lot at stake. But I should like to point out to tho respective editors of the oil journals, that I have not the slightest desire to convince either of them. . . . .Naturally, one expects the motor ng public to be rather sceptical, but at this early stage it is obviously impossible to allow the ingredients to become known to any other person, or to permit of trials in other people's engines. In the rear future, however, it is hoped to submit the fuel to official tests by a responsible body." Whether Mr Strong can carry matters further than did his predecessors remains to be seen, but having regard to the failures in the past, the editor of the _ "Motor-cycle" warns bis readers against the risks inevitably will incur if they attach too much importance to this alleged discovery until far more evidence is forthcoming than at present is available.