Welding welding was invented in 1893, and around that time another process, oxyfuel welding, became well established. Acetylene was discovered in 1836 by Edmund Davy, but its use was not practical in welding until about 1900, when a suitable torch was developed. At first, oxyfuel welding was one of the more popular welding methods due to its portability and relatively low cost. As the 20th century progressed, however, it fell out of favor for industrial applications. It was largely replaced with arc welding, as advances in metal coverings (known as flux) were made. Flux covering the electrode primarily shields the base
USS Porpoise (1836) USS Porpoise (1836) The second USS "Porpoise" was a 224-ton "Dolphin" class brigantine. (In early American usage, a brigantine was referred to as a hermaphrodite brig.) The USS "Porpoise" was later rerigged as a brig (see illustration at right). She was based on the same plans as . "Porpoise" was authorized by Congress on 30 June 1834; built in 1835; and launched 31 May 1836; Lieutenant William Ramsay in command. "Porpoise" sailed from Boston, Massachusetts on 25 August 1836, called at various southern ports, and conducted coastal surveying operations under the direction of Lt. Charles Wilkes in the summer of