180 THE AMERICAN MONTHLY [August, 



From the report of the Commission I gather the following facts re- 

 lating to the power of the dynamo: The commercial voltage, i ,6So ; 

 the mean voltage, 1,512; the maximum voltage, 2,376; speed of dy- 

 namo, 1,700; speed of exciter, 2,700. In the alternating dynamo the 

 maximum of the electro-motive force obtained in the rapidly changing 

 alternations, or the mean of them, may be taken as the electro-motive 

 force of the dynamo. Hence, the varying voltages given as above by 

 the Commission. Regarding the difference between the alternating- 

 current and continuous current, we may note in explanation that the 

 continuous represents a steady electro-motive force in one direction as 

 in the galvanic current, while the alternating current similating the 

 Faradic or induced current at each alternation proceeds from zero to 

 the maximum and recedes to zero, and repeats this in the opposite di- 

 rection. The detinition given by the committee of the commercial 

 voltage of an alternating dynamo, is as follows : ••' Say fifty volts is 

 such an alternating voltage as will, upon an incandescent lamp or Car- 

 dew volt-meter, produce the same light and heat effects as fifty volts 

 in the case of a continuous current." 



The commission having made their tests, wires were carried to a 

 shed adjoining the prison. An old but vigorous horse, weighing some 

 1,200 pounds, had been secured. One electrode was secured above 

 his eyes with cords and the other was also attached above the knee- 

 joint of left hind leg. The electrodes were of copper plate, with cotton 

 waste attached ; the cotton was saturated with warm water, which was 

 poured over them after being attached. One noticeable feature on this 

 occasion was the anxietv of all present regarding the outcome of the 

 experiment. All the gentlemen present had witnessed the death of 

 animals by electricity previously, and believed in the efficacy of the 

 agent; however, this was the first experiment with the dynamo, which 

 it was supposed would soon be used in the execution of a human being. 

 The experiment being made upon a large horse a slight failure would 

 not, of course, be so serious a matter. The resistance of a horse, 

 with the current passing through the whole length of the animal's body, 

 would naturally be very much greater than that which would be pre- 

 sented in the body of any culprit. Still it would have dampened the 

 ardour of all interested in a successful result. Noticing a diffidence on 

 tlie part of the gentlemen present, I took ofi' my coat, donned my physi- 

 ological laboratory apron, and went to work. I was requested to turn 

 the switch, and all breathlessly watched with interest the result of the 

 shock. The horse by this time was standing quietly in one corner of 

 the shed undisturbed as to what was going on about him. When it 

 was ascertained that the dynamo was in full operation, I took my stand 

 upon the box, and with my hand on the switch, watched the horse as 

 I made the connection ; he immediately stiffened out and fell to the ground 

 dead. The current was kept up twenty seconds, and yet there was 

 not a move on the part of the animal. The moment the current was 

 turned oft", with several assistants I removed the electrodes attached, 

 made a slit between the ribs, in which I thrust my hand with the idea 

 of detecting anv heart action. There was none ; death had been in- 

 stantaneous. A good-sized calf was then taken and the electrodes 

 applied to the head and spine as I suggested ; I turned on the current, 

 and as before the animal was instantly dead. The current was turned 



