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NATURE 



{June 8, 1876 



question naturally arises, Why is it not more frequently 

 employed for practical purposes ? 



Unquestionably the first experiments with electric light 

 were not successful, but this is generally the case with 

 new inventions. Unfortunately, however, a feeling seems 



to have arisen directly against the application of elec- 

 tricity for lighting purposes, or at any rate against the 

 employment of the existing apparatus in the hope that 

 more perfect may soon be invented. 



The numerous cases in which powerful electric lights 



would be of service may be divided into two kinds : first 

 those where a great number of lights are required at dis- 

 tant places, either simultaneously, or at intervals, and in 

 varying numbers, such as lighting streets, extensive pre- 



mises, &c. Second, those where only one or a few power- 

 ful lights are required, such as illuminating harbours and 

 public places, as well as for lighthouses, signalling, and 

 diving operations. 



