Introduction Of The Edison Electric Light - 1

Introduction Of The Edison Electric Light - 1

IN the previous chapter on the invention of a system, the narrative has been carried along

for several years of activity up to the verge of the successful and commercial application

of Edison's ideas and devices for incandescent electric lighting. The story of any one year

in this period, if treated chronologically, would branch off in a great many different

directions, some going back to earlier work, others forward to arts not yet within the

general survey; and the effect of such treatment would be confusing. In like manner the

development of the Edison lighting system followed several concurrent, simultaneous

lines of advance; and an effort was therefore made in the last chapter to give a rapid

glance over the whole movement, embracing a term of nearly five years, and including in

its scope both the Old World and the New. What is necessary to the completeness of the

story at this stage is not to recapitulate, but to take up some of the loose ends of threads

woven in and follow them through until the clear and comprehensive picture of events

can be seen.

Some things it would be difficult to reproduce in any picture of the art and the times. One

of the greatest delusions of the public in regard to any notable invention is the belief that

the world is waiting for it with open arms and an eager welcome. The exact contrary is

the truth. There is not a single new art or device the world has ever enjoyed of which it

can be said that it was given an immediate and enthusiastic reception. The way of the

inventor is hard. He can sometimes raise capital to help him in working out his crude

conceptions, but even then it is frequently done at a distressful cost of personal surrender.

When the result is achieved the invention makes its appeal on the score of economy of

material or of effort; and then "labor" often awaits with crushing and tyrannical spirit to

smash the apparatus or forbid its very use. Where both capital and labor are agreed that

the object is worthy of encouragement, there is the supreme indifference of the public to

overcome, and the stubborn resistance of pre-existing devices to combat. The years of

hardship and struggle are thus prolonged, the chagrin of poverty and neglect too

frequently embitters the inventor's scanty bread; and one great spirit after another has

succumbed to the defeat beyond which lay the procrastinated triumph so dearly earned.

Even in America, where the adoption of improvements and innovations is regarded as so

prompt and sure, and where the huge tolls of the Patent Office and the courts bear witness

to the ceaseless efforts of the inventor, it is impossible to deny the sad truth that

unconsciously society discourages invention rather than invites it. Possibly our national

optimism as revealed in invention--the seeking a higher good--needs some check.

Possibly the leaders would travel too fast and too far on the road to perfection if

conservatism did not also play its salutary part in insisting that the procession move

forward as a whole.

Edison and his electric light were happily more fortunate than other men and inventions,

in the relative cordiality of the reception given them. The merit was too obvious to

remain unrecognized. Nevertheless, it was through intense hostility and opposition that

the young art made its way, pushed forward by Edison's own strong personality and by

his unbounded, unwavering faith in the ultimate success of his system. It may seem

strange that great effort was required to introduce a light so manifestly convenient, safe,

agreeable, and advantageous, but the facts are matter of record; and to-day the

recollection of some of the episodes brings a fierce glitter into the eye and keen

indignation into the voice of the man who has come so victoriously through it all.

It was not a fact at any time that the public was opposed to the idea of the electric light.

On the contrary, the conditions for its acceptance had been ripening fast. Yet the very

vogue of the electric arc light made harder the arrival of the incandescent. As a new

illuminant for the streets, the arc had become familiar, either as a direct substitute for the

low gas lamp along the sidewalk curb, or as a novel form of moonlight, raised in groups

at the top of lofty towers often a hundred and fifty feet high. Some of these lights were

already in use for large indoor spaces, although the size of the unit, the deadly pressure of

the current, and the sputtering sparks from the carbons made them highly objectionable

for such purposes. A number of parent arc-lighting companies were in existence, and a

great many local companies had been called into being under franchises for commercial

business and to execute regular city contracts for street lighting. In this manner a good

deal of capital and the energies of many prominent men in politics and business had been

rallied distinctively to the support of arc lighting. Under the inventive leadership of such

brilliant men as Brush, Thomson, Weston, and Van Depoele--there were scores of others-

-the industry had made considerable progress and the art had been firmly established.

Here lurked, however, very vigorous elements of opposition, for Edison predicted from

the start the superiority of the small electric unit of light, and devoted himself exclusively

to its perfection and introduction.