Picture of Indian Chief is Transmitted by Wire

The picture of an Indian chief is said to be the very first photograph successfully sent over a wire by the Belin process in America. On Sunday, November 11, a notable gathering of scientific men witnessed the accomplishment of an achievement which marks a new milestone in the history of electric marvels. A microphone and an almost microscopic mirror working together translated a photograph record into terms of light. The microphone carries the needle, which passes over the graduated surface of the picture to be sent. A tiny arc lamp in a bulb is an important part of the mechanism. It was made in England especially for experimental purposes. The tiny arc is so intense that it gives 104 candle-power at what is virtually a point. Such a little lamp lasts only 10 hours and costs $5.

The photograph of the Indian chief was sent by wire from the office of a newspaper in St. Louis to the office of a well-known New York newspaper. After the receipt of the picture M. Belin sent two photographs by wire to St. Louis. The tests were pronounced highly successful.

Nikola Tesla, the popular inventor, who was an interested witness of this memorable achievement, remarked: "I will say that within a year it will be perfectly practicable to transmit photographs by wireless method and it is easily seen that results of greatest importance will follow from the use of this method."