Past section meetings

A special meeting of the Fort Wayne Section was held on Monday evening, June 5, in order that the members might hear a lecture by Mr. W. D. A. Ryan, of the General Electric Company, Schenectady, on “Modern Illumination.” Notwithstanding the heat, 85 members and guests were present at the lecture, which was particularly opportune due to a recent municipal controversy on the subject of street lighting. Mr. Ryan was introduced by Chairman E. A. Wagner, and after a review of the history of lighting, he took up in detail all matters pertaining to the general development of the modern arc lamp, showing the increasing light efficiency with each successive stage of development. This was illustrated with candle-power diagrams which were thoroughly explained for the benefit of the non-technical men in the audience. A number of the” different types of arc lamps were arranged with lenses projecting a view of the electrodes on the screen in such a manner that the action of the electrodes in meeting and forming an arc and crater could be shown in a most interesting manner. The problem of ornamental street lighting was also discussed, and lastly, Mr. Ryan gave a full description of the wonderful electrical effects produced at the Hudson-Fulton celebration.