<BR>
Letters from Admiral Luce describing the lighthouse near the Torpedo Station, circa 1894.
Fig 1. Wheel revolving at such a rate as to show a luminous circle about the fixed light, as a center/ The arms to be made of gas pip, to combine strength and lightness, & properly braced. The wheel to revolve on a frame work constructed near the fixed light; and in a plane at right angles to the line of approach. To be actuated by an electric motor.
Fig. 2.Light: Incandescent (or oil lamp, or gimbals) oscillating slowly thro’ an arc of 160”. It would be absolutely possible to confound such a light, with any other now in use. Clockwork or electric motor, or steam power.
Gore St.
Waltham, Mass
June 21, 1894
Dear Converse:
Inclosed herewith please find a rough sketch of a new system of revolving lights which I think will be an aid to navigation during thick weather, or moderately foggy weather. It is well known that a moving light can be seen further than one that is fixed; and can be more readily distinguishable from other lights. We have a [illegible] example of this in our system of night signaling with a torch by the Army Code – commonly called the “Wig Wag”. There are two or three practical difficulties in the way of its construction, however, on which I would be glad to have your opinion.
First, can an incandescent light be made of sufficient candle – power to equal, say, the harbor light on the North End of Goat Island?
2ndly, would there be any practical difficulty in transmitting the electric current to the radii of the revolving wheel as in Fig 1.?
3rdly, what do you think of the practicability of the plan.
I would like to see some experiments with the system tried on a small and inexpensive scale, but do not want to ask the Dept to sanction such a trial unless in the opinion of Experts, it offers a reasonable hope of success.
Hoping all goes well with you, I am very truly yours
S.B. Luce
Com J.A. Converse U.S.N.
Fig 1. Whell revolving at such a rate as to show a luminous circle about the fixed light, as a center/ The arms to be made of gas pip, to combine strength and lightness, & properly braced. The wheel to revolve on a frame work constructed near the fixed light; and in a plane at right angles to the line of approach. To be actuated by an electric motor.
Fig. 2.Light: Incandescent (or iil lamp, or gimbals) oscillating slowly thro’ ab arc of 160”. It would be absolutely possible to confound such a light, with any other now in use. Clockwork or electric motor, or steam power
S.B. Luce
Gore St.
Waltham, Mass
June 21st 944