The simple truth is, that up to this
period all analysis has failed; and until Von Kempelen chooses to
let us have the key to his own published enigma, it is more than
probable that the matter will remain, for years, in statu quo. All
that as yet can fairly be said to be known is, that 'Pure gold can
be made at will, and very readily from lead in connection with certain
other substances, in kind and in proportions, unknown.'
Speculation, of course, is busy as to the immediate and ultimate
results of this discovery- a discovery which few thinking persons will
hesitate in referring to an increased interest in the matter of gold
generally, by the late developments in California; and this reflection
brings us inevitably to another- the exceeding inopportuneness of
Von Kempelen's analysis. If many were prevented from adventuring to
California, by the mere apprehension that gold would so materially
diminish in value, on account of its plentifulness in the mines there,
as to render the speculation of going so far in search of it a
doubtful one- what impression will be wrought now, upon the minds of
those about to emigrate, and especially upon the minds of those
actually in the mineral region, by the announcement of this astounding
discovery of Von Kempelen? a discovery which declares, in so many
words, that beyond its intrinsic worth for manufacturing purposes
(whatever that worth may be), gold now is, or at least soon will be
(for it cannot be supposed that Von Kempelen can long retain his
secret), of no greater value than lead, and of far inferior value to
silver.
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