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The International Exhibition: Spencer's patent magnetic purifying-filter, 1862. 'This filter has secured for its inventor, Mr. Spencer...one of the prize medals of the International Exhibition of 1862. The magnetic filter is the only one known which effects a chemical purification of water. Indeed, it has been said by one of our scientific authorities that "miasmetic or unwholesome water with the magnetic filter is impossible." Those fitted up for domestic use comprise three compartments, separated from each other by perforated plates. The upper open compartment is for the water to be purified; the middle one contains the proto-carbide of iron, which is the magnetic purifying medium; the lower one is for the purified water to be drawn off at the tap as required. It is affirmed that...these filters never require cleansing or renovation, but will constantly give forth colourless and odourless water, free from gaseous or organic impurity, and which will remain free from the growth of animalculae or vegetation. The protocarbide bears the closest affinity to the loadstone, or natural magnet, and its magnetic power is equally indestructible; whilst bulk for built, from its extreme purity, the artificial body exercises the more powerful agency'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862. The International Exhibition: Spencer's patent magnetic purifying-filter, 1862. Creator: Unknown. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/THE PRINT COLLECTOR)