Nikola Tesla U.S. Patent 645,576 - System of Transmission of Electrical Energy Patent Wrapper Page 26

144 titudes. Moreover, balloons with recording instruments have been sent up to heights of over 15 000 meters, and in a number of instances readings have likewise been secured. In view of this I think that, in regard to the atmospheric pressure existing at great height, as well as to the means of reaching the altitude and maintaining a terminal there, the world is fully informed and, besides, a description of particular and comparatively insignificant accessories or means, though I have contrived some, would not in any way contribute to the clear understanding of the advances I have made. However, with my present knowledge based on my experimental results, I do not absolutely require greater altitudes than those already reached by aeronauts, though perhaps, in the practical execution of my plan on a large scale for the transmission of great amounts of power, I shall endeavor to reach still greater heights, if for no other reason beyond that pointed out clearly in my application above mentioned, namely, to reduce the loss by leakage. The Examiner states that "whatever effects might be attained at a given electrical sure with an elevation of 15 000 feet say, corresponding to a mercurial pressure of perhaps 15 ins., might be obtained on the Earth's surface with a mercurial pressure of 30 ins., and a correspondingly greater electrical pressure." With all deference to the opinion expressed I must state that such conclusion does not even in the remotest degree accord with actual observations. It might as well be asserted that, whatever results (2) [This page retyped from microfilm for better readability - Ed. Ed.]