PATERSON NJ Electricity/Energy/Thomas Edison SIGNED 1ST

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VERY SCARCE, ORIGINAL 1896 EDITION OF: "ELECTRICITY IN PATERSON." This uncommon 19th century treatise was written by William M. Brock and printed by the Press of the Sunday Chronicle, Paterson, N.J. Author was General Manager of the Edison Electrical Illuminating Co. in Paterson, a company formed by Thomas Edison. Author, who was personally acquainted with Mr. Edison, wrote this informative treatise "for every-day folk on the use of electrical units and the practical application of electrical currents." Volume is signed by author on front flyleaf: "Yours Very Truly, Wm. H. Brock June 20th, 1919"; and bears the presentation stamp: "Compliments of the Edison Electric Illuminating Co. Paterson, - N. J." Book is rare, with no other original hardcover copies located. "The object of this little book is to present to the business man and everyday reader in simple language a comprehensive exposition of electrical matters, touching sufficiently upon the lesser abstruse theories of the laws of magnetism and electrical phenomena to enable the layman to look with some degree of intelligence upon the operations of the dynamo as it generates currents of electricity for light, heat and power, and the electric motor as it propels cars through our streets, or operates machinery, and to explain in simple language the meaning and value of the practical electrical units and terms so familiar to the public, but so little understood...To the friends and patrons of the Illuminating Company of Paterson this little electrical messenger is respectfully dedicated." [Introductory]. "The life career of William M. Brock, an accomplished electrician of the day, now superintendent of the electric department of the Public Service Corporation for the district of Passaic and Paterson, New Jersey, presents a forceful illustration of the achievements possible in this age to the industrious and ambitious...In 1882 the Edison Electric Illuminating Company, of Shamokin, was incorporated and one of the first Edison "three wire" plants was installed for commercial lighting in that town under the personal supervision of Mr. Edison. During the work of construction Mr. Brock was - after a personal examination by Mr. Edison - engaged as manager, which position, as well as manager of the local telephone company, he held until 1885, when he resigned both positions to accept a more lucrative engagement as manager of the Edison Electric Illumina ting Company, of Lawrence, Massachusetts. He continued in the management of this com pany until early in 1889, when he resigned his position to accept that of secretary and general manager of the Edison Electric Illuminating Company, of Paterson, New Jersey, his present home. At that time t were two electric lighting companies, the Edison Electric Illuminating Company, which had been in operation a little over one year, and the Paterson Electric Lighting Company, a much older enterprise. At the end of two or three years of unprofitable competition (about 1891) the two companies were consolidated under one management, under the name of the Edison Electric Illuminating Company, of Paterson." [Genealogical and Memorial History of the State of New Jersey, Vol. II, 1910]. Paterson is located in Passaic County, New Jersey. With a population of about 146,500, it is today New Jersey's third largest city. Paterson is known as the "Silk City" for its dominant role in silk production during the later 19th century. The city was originally formed in 1831 as a township from portions of Acquackanonk Township, while the area was still part of Essex County. Paterson became part of the newly-created Passaic County in 1837 and was incorporated as a city in 1851, based on the results of a referendum. The city was reincorporated in 1861. In 1791, Alexander Hamilton helped found the Society for the Establishment of Useful Manufactures [S.U.M.], which helped encourage the harnessing of energy from the Great Falls of the Passaic, to secure economic independence from British manufacturers. Paterson, which was founded by the society, became ... read more

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