Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-09-07
CHANGES EFFECTED
AT BLISS SCHOOL
improvements Made in Build
lngs, Equipment and Courses
of Instruction.

The opening of the Bliss Electrical
changes in the buildings, equipment
and courses of instruction.
During the Summer the buildings on
the five-acre tract have been completely
renovated the dormitory facilities were
enlarged to accommodate the con-
stantly increasing number of students,
and q new wiring laboratory, designed
by r. @. Sherburne, head OF the wiring
and meter testing department, was
erected. It is a well lighted two-story
fireproof structure. harmonizing with
the Spanish mission type of architec-
ture of the other buildings on the
campus.
The course of electrical engineering
has been improved with many addi-
tional subjects and new equipment re-
flecting recent developments in electro
cal research. Study of vacuum tubes,
the photo-electric cell, lightning ar
rosters, automatic telephony and inter-
connecting relays in power systems has
been included. Theoretical Electric
ity." the text book Of the course. by
Louis Danton Bliss, has been revised
The faculty, headed by Mr.. Bliss. con-
sists of II men, all graduates of the
school, with a sound engineering train
ing supplemented by practical expert
ence.
Begins 3Sth Year.
The beginning of the thirty eighth
year of the school since its founding in
1898 by Mr. Bliss, president, recalls an
interesting history. When Mr.. Bliss
was an engineer with the Edison Co.,
in the pioneer days of the electrical In
dustry, he conceived the idea OF q
school where men who were unable TO
colleges MIGHT
sufficient knowledge of the fundamen-
tails of electrical engineering. In those
DAYS many of the now familiar appE-
cations of electricity were either un-
dreamed of or still in Q stage OF ex-
pertinent. Alternating current, through
the perfection of the transformer, was
only beginning its work OF replacing 30
per cent of direct current; incandes-
cent lighting had but recently progressed
from experiment to assured success,
and the industry itself was just begin
ming to demand trained workers to
handle the newer applications OF cleo
tricity.
Mr.. Bliss determined to train some
of these workers, and in spite OF oppo-
sition and the many obstacles that at-
tend the fouding of such a project, his
il the story of lifelong concentration,
upon one chosen aim-that of providing
for young men a comprehensive yet
concise course of electrical engineering
that can be completed by the student
Of average ability in one school year.
The Bliss Electrical School is spe-
cial technical school concentrating upon
engineering essentials for those who
wish to obtain maximum training In
minimum time. The student is taught
not only theoretical electricity, which
the engineer must have. but receives IN
the laboratories, under conditions 70
be met in industry, the practical appN.
cations which fix the principles ana
prepare him for the work he must DO
after graduation. .
Men come to the Bliss Electrical
School from all over the world. 1t
has 5000 graduates.
Theory and Practice Combined.
The plan of combining practical in
struction with theory prevails at the
Bliss Electrical School. The UNDER
living principles of theoretical appara-
tus are first taught by means OF lee.
lures, supplemented by charts ano
wherever possible by actual apparatus
in operation. These lectures, WIN the
study of a text book on electrical en-
rireering by Mr.. Bliss, reviews ano
conferences, bring out every detail OF
the material studied.
Theory is closely followed by practice.
In the drafting department the student
learns the principles of engineering
drawing, with special reference TO cleo
trical work, while the solution OF cleo
trical problems in connection with botn
direct and alternating current appara-
tus is taken up in the mathematics de-
partment. -
A the machine department and has
0kcelIent practice in the use OF latnes,
boring mills and other machinery N
Che complete manufacture OF electrlcal
apparatus as encountered in electrical
manufacturing establishments.
In the department of electrical tests
students measure losses and locate de-
fectS in electrical machinery, famiIlar-
izinE themselves with electrical meas
uring instruments. They install various
methods of wiring in skeleton buildings
An the new laboratory that has just
been completed. In the center OF this
building is q two-story-and-attic skele-
ton-frame structure representing
modern home, which students wire. On
the gallery of the wiring building test
ing tables and Switchboards are pro-
vided for familiarizing students with
every kind of electrical meter used Tor
recording power.
While the nature of the course keeps
the student well occupied, he has OPP
portunity for athletics in tennis and
basket ball and gymnasium work. Mu-
sicians may join the school band or
orchestra. Dances are held during the
season at the school under faculty SUI
pervision.
The new year begins September "a.
November IS to November 80. inclusive,
will constitute the Thanksgiving recess,
while December 19 to January S, 1881,
embraces the Christmas holiday.