Page:Fifty years hence, or, What may be in 1943 - a prophecy supposed to be based on scientific deductions by an improved graphical method (IA fiftyyearshenceo00grim).pdf/49

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FIFTY YEARS HENCE.
45

Vessels at sea may be communicated with by both telegraph and telephone, no wire being employed. Soundings are automatically indicated and recorded as the vessel moves along, so that the log not only is made up as the voyage progresses, but serves as a chart to guide the course.

In the homes of the masses as well as in those of the millionaires, there is little of comfort or convenience to be desired. The luxuries of 1893 are the necessities of 1943; while to these have been added refinements undreamed of fifty years before.

Houses made of concrete in one piece, without joint, defy wind, storm and the intrusion of "rats and mice and such small deer."

In every house, there ts a system of piping and wiring by which heating-gas, lighting-gas and oxygen; hot and cold, salt and fresh water, steam and electric lighting and telephone service are laid on; while thorough ventilation is effected by a system of exhaust operated from a central station. The sanitary appliances are under control of the municipal authorities; and disinfecting solutions are as necessary a part thereof, as the supply of fresh or salt water which flushes out the waste-pipes.