Name/Title
Technical Drawing of an Arc Lamp Mechanism by Lewis H. Latimer (1880)Description
This is a detailed mechanical drawing of an arc lamp mechanism, hand-drawn by Lewis H. Latimer in 1880, at the start of his electrical career working for Hiram Maxim. The diagram showcases a technical rendering of the internal components of an arc lamp, a significant innovation in electric lighting technology.
The illustration includes gears, levers, and electrical contacts, highlighting Latimer’s precision in drafting and engineering design.
In the bottom left corner, there is a handwritten inscription that reads: "Arc Lamp Drawn by L.H. Latimer 1880." The document appears to be an original working sketch, possibly used for patent applications or internal engineering references.Context
Lewis Howard Latimer (1848–1928) was an African American inventor and draftsman known for his contributions to electrical engineering and the development of the incandescent light bulb. He worked with Alexander Graham Bell and for Thomas Edison, playing a role in refining carbon filaments for electric light bulbs. Arc lamps were an early form of electric lighting that used a high-voltage current to create a bright and sustained light arc between two electrodes. They were widely used in the late 19th century for streetlights, industrial lighting, and public spaces before incandescent bulbs became more practical. During the early 1880s, while working for Hiram Maxim’s U. S. Electric Lighting Co., Latimer installed arc lighting in a Montreal rail yard and station.Collection
Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]Inscription/Signature/Marks
Transcription
"Arc Lamp
Drawn by L.H. Latimer
1880"