Von Kempelen and His Discovery (Poe)

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Edgar Allan Poe

Von Kempelen and His Discovery

1849

Summary of the Short Story

Microsummary: A man named Von Kempelen discovered a method to turn lead into pure gold, causing a significant impact on the value of gold and the economy.

Von Kempelen, a scientist, made a groundbreaking discovery that allowed him to turn lead into gold. This discovery was initially met with skepticism, as many believed it to be a hoax or an exaggeration. However, the scientific community eventually acknowledged the validity of Von Kempelen's findings, and the implications of this discovery became a topic of great debate.

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Von Kempelen — chemist; born in Utica, New York; short and stout, with blue eyes, sandy hair and whiskers, wide mouth, and a Roman nose; friendly and unassuming.

Von Kempelen's discovery was not entirely unprecedented, as the renowned chemist Sir Humphrey Davy had previously made progress in a similar analysis. However, Von Kempelen was the first to successfully complete the process and demonstrate its practical application. His discovery led to a significant increase in the value of lead and silver, as the newfound ability to create gold threatened to diminish its value.

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.”

The timing of Von Kempelen's discovery was particularly interesting, as it coincided with the gold rush in California. Many speculated that the discovery would have a significant impact on the settlement of the region, as the prospect of finding gold would be less enticing if it could be easily created from lead.

It is, indeed, exceedingly difficult to speculate prospectively upon the consequences of the discovery, but one thing may be positively maintained—that the announcement of the discovery six months ago would have had material influence in regard to the settlement of California.

The long-term consequences of Von Kempelen's discovery were difficult to predict, but it was clear that it had the potential to drastically change the global economy and the value of precious metals.

In addition to his scientific achievements, Von Kempelen was known for his friendly demeanor and approachable personality. Despite his immense success and notoriety, he remained humble and dedicated to his work. His discovery marked a significant milestone in the field of chemistry and left a lasting impact on the world.