Electricity Without Wires

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:—

In reply to your question as to what discovery would do most to better our condition, in my opinion the demonstration that the earth's electrical charge can be distributed, and thereby electrical waves efficiently transmitted to any distance without the use of cables or wires, would be the most beneficial.

The conveying of motive power from sources such as Niagara in this manner to any place, however remote, would increase many times the productive capacity of mankind. It would bring millions of miserable creatures from the darkness of the coal pits to the light of day. It would cause a kinder feeling to spring up between the weak and the strong, which would lead to a generous adjustment of the evermore difficult questions of labor and capital.

Even if power could not be distributed, the mere transmission of intelligible signals would be of incalculable benefit. Such a realization would do away. with the instability of the financial markets, which is the cause of much suffering and misery. It would greatly facilitate the evolution of noevl ideas, as well as the prevention of evils. It would lucrease the safety of travel and give a new impetus to the press and spread of knowledge. The first message transmitted would be the signal to general disarmament and a closer union of nations, and the words of the great German poet, "Seid umschlungen Millionen, diesen Kuss der ganzen Welt," would be deeply felt everywhere.

Our present knowledge is sufficient to fill us with the conviction that the solution of these important problems is not far off May the new year witness these triumpha.

NIKOLA TESLA.
NEW YORK. Dec. 31, 1893.