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New Catechism of Electricity

Nehemiah Hawkins

1896
"The great forces of the world are invisible and impalpable; we cannot grasp or handle them; and though they are real enough they have the appearance of being very unreal. Electricity and Gravity are as subtle as they are mighty; they elude the eye and hand of the most skillful philosopher. In view of this, it is well for the average man not to try to fathom, too deeply, the science of either; neither Edison or Tesla have done that yet."

Before Nikola Tesla and alternating current was Thomas Edison and direct current. New Catechism of Electricity was written in 1896 and dedicated to “Thomas A. Edison of Llewellyn Park, N.J.,” when Edison was still alive and actively inventing at the age of 49. This is the 1903 printing of the book. Author Nehemiah Hawkins often wrote under the name Theodore Audel for Theodore Audel & Company of New York. The many Audel books that were to follow utilized multitudes of illustrations (this book has some 300) to teach technical subjects to generations of craftsmen and engineers for over 100 years.

Contents:

  • Electricity
  • Magnetism and Magnets
  • Electric Energy
  • Primary Batteries
  • Management and Care of Batteries
  • The Magnetic and Electric Current
  • Animal Electricity
  • “Points” Relating to the Electric Current
  • Electro-Magnetic Induction
  • Electrical Resistance
  • Conductors and Non-Conductors
  • Electrical Measurements
  • The Dynamo
  • The Armature
  • Field Magnets
  • Commutators
  • The Brushes
  • Care and Management of the Dynamo
  • Regulating Dynamos
  • Coupling of Dynamos
  • Excessive Heating of Dynamos
  • Flashing or Sparking
  • The Alternator
  • Motors
  • The Dynamotor
  • Transformers
  • The Condenser
  • Induction Coils
  • Electric Lighting
  • Wiring
  • Wiring Rules and Requirements
  • The Electric Railway
  • Line Work
  • Care and Management of the Street Car Motor
  • Storage Batteries
  • The Telephone
  • The Telegraph
  • Electric Bells
  • Electric Pump
  • Electrometallurgy
  • The Electric Elevator
  • “Electric Trouble” of Watches
  • Accidents and Emergencies
  • Caution
  • Index
  • Advertisements


Book publisher:
 Theo Audel & Co., New York
Book printer: The Caxton Press, New York
Book copyright:
1896
Book edition: 1903 printing
Pages: 541 (546 bound pages)
Size: 4-1/2″ x 6-1/2″
Dust jacket: No
Illustrations
: Over 300
Back matter: 17 pages of related books by publisher
Digital edition © 2010 Curtis Philips. All Rights Reserved.

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