1007.] Electric Wave Telegraphy. 677 



WEEKLY EVENING MEETING, 

 Friday, May 24, 1907. 



The Right Hox. Lord Kelvin, O.M. G.C.Y.O. P.C. D.C.L. 

 LL.D. D.Sc. F.R.S., in the Chair. 



Professor J. A. Fleming, M.A. D.Sc. F.R.S. M.R.I. 



Recent Gontrihutions to Electric Wave Telegraphy. 



The achievements and possibilities of wireless telegraphy have not 

 yet ceased to interest the pnblic mind. In less than ten years from 

 the practical inception of that form of it conducted by electric waves, 

 it has developed into an implement of immense importance in naval 

 warfare and manoeuvres. It has provided a means of communication 

 between ship and shore which has added greatly to the safety of life 

 and property at sea. It has so far altered the conditions of ocean 

 travel that great passenger Hners, separated by vast distances on 

 stormy seas, speak to each other through the sether with far-reaching 

 voices, and are never out of touch with land during the whole of 

 their voyage from port to port. 



You are doubtless aware that it is now the usual thing for an 

 Atlantic liner, equipped with long distance receivers, to be in com- 

 munication with either the Marconi stations at Poldhu in England 

 or CHfden in Ireland, and that at Cape Cod in the United States 

 throughout the voyage, and at the same time to exchange messages 

 not only with the other shore stations when passing, but with a score 

 or so of sister vessels during the journey.* 



On board many of the Cunard liners small daily newspapers are 

 published containing the latest news of the day sent by wireless 

 telegraphy from both coasts. 



Every important navy in the world has now adopted it in some 

 form as an indispensable means of communication. In our own 

 navy, Admiral Sir Henry Jackson, to whom the country is so much 

 indebted in this matter, informs me that every ship above the size of 

 a torpedo boat is or will soon be fitted. Large battleships carry 

 fairly high power transmitters for long distance work. The Admiralty 



* The Cunard liner Lucania, which arrived March 18, 1907, at Liverpool 

 from New York, reported that she was, when in mid- Atlantic,. in communication 

 by wireless telegraphy with Poldhu, in Cornwall, and Cape Cod, in the United 

 States, at the same time. During the voyage she spoke with thirty-two 

 North Atlantic steamers, and with twenty-four of these she had wireless 

 communication. 



