Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-08-06

This machine is 80 constructed as to generate
what is known as an alternating current. In
lay terms it mar be said that in alternating
current dynamos the electric force undergoes
rapid periodic changes, being one moment at
zero, increasing to maximum, diminishing to
zero; then, reversing in direction II again rises
to q maximum, to fall again to zero. The
average of these rapidly. changing
motive force Of the dynamo. The Auburn ma
chine is capable Of about $50 Of these reversals
every second or about $4,000 every minute
When applied to the criminal, as in Kemmler's
case, these rapidly alternating throbs have each
about the physical force necessary to lift 1877
pounds foot in one second. The nerve cells
and tissues are believed to be racked and smit-
ten, first in one direction and then another,
by this terrific and mysterious force, about
IA, 600 times every minute. 1t is like beating an
object with heavy hammer alternately on
either side with great force very rapidly. In
the case Of electricixing the nerve cells are
believed to be torn from the glands, or the
ganglia, disintegrated-killed.
Edison has stated under oath that one tenth
of an ampere (the electrical unit Of quantity
and 900 volts @ volt being the electrical unit
Of pressure) would be enough to kill man.
II Edison is right then the silent machine in
the loft of the prison marble shop has within
its mysterious thews the generative power to
decimate great city in an incredibly short
space of time.
COULD HAVE KILLED Joy MEN.
A fifty-horse power machine would produce
quantity equal to 81 amperes at pressure of
1000 volts. II Edison's statement that tenth
Of an ampere at 1000 volts will XIII human
life then the machine which was used on
men at the same moment it did
kemmler There are, however, we'll
informed electricians who will not fully accept
Edison's figures, but they say the conditions
he names might result in death. However,
there Is ample margin above the force required
over 1900 volts, which, while it reduces the
quantity ut given point Of the cir
cult at q given instant of time, means
double the pressure cited by Edison al
Of increasing voltage is like that of placing an
inch nozzle on q finch pipe through which
water is flowing. less quantity of water
would escape each instant, but its force would
be vastly increased
Az indicated the dynamo in use is of vastly
instaptiy. A machine that could be placed IN
. waSte basket might be constructed to do all
that il required. II allowance 10 made for loss
in the friction Of necessary gearing and
in the process Of TRANSFORMATION to cleo
ricity II 10 probable that dynamo
rated one minute by weight Of about 800
pounds falling ten feet During this time cleo
trical energy sufficient TO kill . man In from
one to ten seconds would be generated This
possibility is cited to bring to the lay mind q
more vivid and practical appreciation of me-
shanical force in the killing Of human being
By electricity.
From the dynamo In tho LOFT Of the marble
| shop In Auburn prison heavy wires lead
through gauge on the wall mp 70 the top Of
the building, which II known a. the south wing.
Thence they trail along the roofs, over the
1aaAn part u u pyisoas md creep their wv