[D8605H], Letter from John Carson to Thomas Alva Edison, March 1886
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Title
[D8605H], Letter from John Carson to Thomas Alva Edison, March 1886
Editor's Notes
In Nov. 1884, I filed an application for a Patent for an apparatus for collecting electrical energy, carbon, and other products from coal and other combustibles. ##At the time of filing, I was aware that I was too early, but I was anxious to have it on record, and filing an application was the readiest and surest mode. Filing made it secure and gave me time for demonstration and to await the course of events in electrical progress. I have waited one year since action was taken on my application in the Patent Office. ##I have been watching very closely the movements of electrical men, in their efforts to find a cheaper and more direct route from the supply to the demand, and I find that many are looking in my direction for what they want and I clearly see that they will soon be on my ground. Their education has been more rapid than I had calculated on, and the time has arrived for me to show what I have got before I am quite ready. ##My apparatus, if carefully constructed, will save all the electrical energy that is in the combustible. In using steam to run a dynamo, but 10% of the energy in the fuel is utilized. My apparatus will save all. If it does not, the fault lies in the construction. ##Also, I shall save all the carbon and other elements that are in the combustible. If good anthracite coal is used, I shall get 70 or 80% of the weight of the coal in pure carbon, worth at the least 3 cents per pound. At present, I am not prepared to introduce this into public notice. I have neither the means, nor am I known among businessmen connected with this matter. But I am of the opinion that if it was taken hold of by a firm or company already actively engaged in this business, it would be a success. My plan would not require a dynamo; the power to run them would be saved. ##I address this to you believing that you are the man that can successfully introduce the idea. [Illegible shorthand marg. at top of letter.]
Author
Recipient
Date
1886-03-00
Type
Subject
Folder/Volume ID
D8605-F
Microfilm ID
79:188
Document ID
D8605H
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University