Engineer and antiques collector Grayson Whitney is asked about the history of an old porcelain lamp, and he relates the story of Anton Daimier, who was searching for satisfactory liquid fuel to power his experimental engine. Grayson describes a scene in which the destitute Anton plans to pawn his porcelain lamp for funds to continue his experiments. He falls asleep and dreams that Mercury, the Roman god of travel, shows him the evolution of travel from its ancient beginnings. Anton wakens that evening and fills the lamp, initially unaware that he is using gasoline instead of kerosene. Lighting the lamp causes an explosion, and Anton realizes that he has found the liquid fuel he has been seeking. With assistance from his employer, Anton invents the gasoline engine. Grayson finishes the story by revealing that he obtained the lamp from Anton's granddaughter.—AFI