Tesla Tells of His Discovery

The Distinguished Investigator Finds a New Source of the Roentgen Rays.

IT IS BY AN ELECTRIC ARC.

Members of New York Academy of Sciences Listen to an Address on His Recent Experiment.

SATISFIED OF ITS VALUE.

The fourth annual reception and exhibition of the New York Academy of Sciences, in the American Museum of Natural History, were brought to an interesting close last evening. In addition to addresses by Professor J. J. Stevenson, president of the Academy, and by Morris K. Jesup, president of the Museum, Nikola Tesla also spoke about some of his recent experiments.

The most important part of Dr. Tesla's address, which was "On the Streams of Lenard and Roentgen, with Novel Apparatus for Their Production," was an announcement that he had discovered a new source of the Roentgen ray.

"This new source of the Roentgen ray," said he, "I discovered recently. An electric are is the source. That is the simple way of putting it. In my experiments I found that the are gave a wonderful light, which surprised and delighted me. My experiment is to be developed, but I have found enough to satisfy me of the value of the new source."

EXPECTS GOOD RESULTS.

Dr. Tesla then described that when the arc went to the cathode there was a strong light, but it was when it went to the anode that the wonderful results were obtained. The speaker said that he worked with a platinum cathode and an aluminum cathode. "I cannot say anything more about this experiment at the present time," continued he, "but I think that in the future the results. will be satisfactory in every way." The speaker had before him on the table some of his novel electrical apparatus, by which he showed several of his experiments, particularly in producing electrical vibrations. Dr. Tesla finally announced that he would not trespass further upon the time of the audience, in spite of the gesticulations of the Academy members to go on.

HE WAS HUNGRY.

To be frank with you." said he, "I have had no dinner."

THEIR WISHES GRATIFIED.

The audience applauded, and there were earnest appeals for him to continue. Then they left their seats and made a rush for the platform to induce Dr. Tesla to explain more about his experiments. He gratified their wishes by giving them a half hour's additional description of his work with the apparatus.

In his address President Stevenson, of the New York Academy of Sciences, referred to the encouraging results of the investigators of the organization, and thanked the authorities of the American Museum of Natural History for the use of the building. Prestdent Jesup, of the Museum, in response sald that the Academy members were always welcome to the Museum. He referred to the happy and cordial relations that exist in the Belentina Alliance.