The Thomas A. Edison Papers Digital Edition

Transcription

[TAE Marginalia] <Crocker I am putting all my ducats in the Storage Battery at present so am not just now in a position to give up E.>
Dec. 16, 1901
Dr. Thomas A. Edison, Orange, N.J.
Dear sir:-
The Electrical Engineering Department of Columbia University now lacks the following important pieces of apparatus, which are essential to the equipment of a first class electrical laboratory. 
1 Storage battery and attachments $1,500
1 Three-phase generator and attachments 1,500
2 Motor-dynamo sets for lecture demonstrations 1,000
3 Single, two and three-phase motors             750
4 Direct current machines for regular use in laboratory 1,000
Laboratory standards of voltage, currents resistance, inductance, capacity, etc.   2,500
Lecture models                                                  1,250
Installation of above apparatus                          500
Total                                                                  $10,000
It is out of the question, at the present time, for the University itself to appropriate the whole or any considerable portion of the sum required to purchase the above apparatus, and it is not likely to be in a position to do so for several years to come. Out of its own resources the University is able to make only a small allowance to each of its fifty departments. This is barely sufficient to cover the cost of supplies, repairs, and very small additions to equipment. Experience has shown that manufacturers are willing to make small donations of samples and special forms of apparatus, but they do not feel warranted in in giving large pieces of standard machinery. The numerous educational institutions throughout the country are constantly asking for gifts of this kind, so that manufacturers have found it necessary to make a general refusal. In view of these facts the Department finds that the only available means of obtaining the facilities which it needs so much is to appeal to the generosity of its friends.
In the remarkable progress of electrical science and its applications during the past twenty years, the United States has taken the leading part, and New York has been and is now the headquarters of the leadership. It seems appropriate, therefore, that the principal educational institution in or near the city should possess a well equipped electrical laboratory. Each year it would directly benefit more than one hundred electrical engineering students, and nearly three hundred students in mechanical, civil, and mining engineering, and is chemistry. Such a laboratory exerts also a less direct but very important influence on scientific and industrial progress in the community.
If you do not care to give a large amount we should be very glad to receive a small sum s we are particularly anxious to include your name among our benefactors.
Very truly yours,
Francis B. Crocker