Peter Hewitt, US electrical engineer C016 / 8851

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Peter Hewitt, US electrical engineer C016 / 8851

Peter Cooper Hewitt (1861-1921), US electrical engineer. Hewitt invented a mercury-vapour lamp (patented 1901) and built the first mercury arc rectifier (1902). Early models of the lamp were a thin tube with a pool of mercury filling the lamp with mercury vapour. Current flowing between electrodes and through the mercury vapour discharged a bluish-green light. The mercury arc rectifier, used to convert alternating current to direct current, was used in industry and on the railways. This signed 1918 photograph is from a collection of unpublished images obtained for The Pageant of America: A Pictorial History of the United States (1925-1929)

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Media ID 9243355

© MIRIAM AND IRA D. WALLACH DIVISION OF ART, PRINTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS/NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY/ SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

1900s 1918 Dated Electrical Engineer Electrical Engineering Engineering Looking At The Camera North American Portrait Signature Signed The Pageant Of America

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This 1918 photograph captures the distinguished figure of Peter Hewitt, a renowned American electrical engineer. Known for his groundbreaking inventions, Hewitt's contributions to the field of technology are nothing short of remarkable. In this portrait, he exudes an air of confidence and intellect as he gazes directly at the camera. Hewitt's most notable creations include the mercury-vapour lamp and the mercury arc rectifier. The patented mercury-vapour lamp, developed in 1901, featured a thin tube filled with mercury vapour that emitted a mesmerizing bluish-green light when current passed through it. This innovative lighting solution found applications in various industries and even on railways. Furthermore, Hewitt's pioneering work extended to building the first-ever mercury arc rectifier in 1902. This device played a crucial role in converting alternating current into direct current efficiently, revolutionizing power transmission systems across industries. The significance of this signed photograph lies not only in its historical value but also as part of The Pageant of America: A Pictorial History of the United States (1925-1929). It offers us a glimpse into an era where human ingenuity propelled technological advancements forward. Preserved by MIRIAM AND IRA D. WALLACH DIVISION OF ART, PRINTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS/NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY, this image serves as a testament to Peter Hewitt's lasting legacy as an influential figure within electrical engineering during the early 20th century.

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