Edison was severely
blamed for causing the disturbance; but, nevertheless, his announcement
had been verified in all but the question of cost. The introduction of
a practical system of electric lighting employed his resources for
several years. Dynamos, types of lamps and conductors, electric meters,
safety fuses, and other appliances had to be invented. In 1882 he
returned to New York, to superintend the installation of his system in
that city.
His researches on the dynamo caused him to devise what he calls an
'harmonic engine.' It consists of a tuning-fork, kept in vibration by
two small electro-magnets, excited with three or four battery cells.
It is capable of working a small pump, but is little more than a
scientific curiosity. With the object of transforming heat direct from
the furnace into electricity, he also devised a 'pyro-electric
generator,' but it never passed beyond the experimental stage.
The same may be said for his pyro-electric motor. His dynamo-electric
motors and system of electric railways are, however, a more promising
invention. His method of telegraphing to and from a railway train in
motion, by induction through the air to a telegraph wire running along
the line, is very ingenious, and has been tried with a fair amount of
success.
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