Tesla microfilm letters

[Michelinho]

Tesla Correspondence #117

Tesla Correspondence #117


New York, August 9th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Your telegram to send more O. K. Dry Batteries and inquiring about an oscillator like the one sent has just been received. Mr. Uhlman says, only one oscillator of this type was ever built. The dry batteries have been immediately sent for and will be expressed as soon as they are received.

The clockworks, Mr Uhlman thinks, cannot be finished before Friday or Saturday. He has tried the first independent break with a vacuum lamp and finds that it gives a very steady light.

Very few letters have been received lately, containing several inquiries about oscillators and a few applications for positions.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

[Jeff Pearson]

Morgan 0010

TESLA'S "ARTIFICIAL DAYLIGHT'.

In order to convey a idea of the great commercial possi-
bilities of this invention, attention may be called to a few facts,
of which the general public has little knowledge. A common im-
pression is that the electric lighting systems, as now commercially
introduced, are a vast advance over older methods of illumination,
leaving little room for improvement. This is far from being so, as
usually but a fraction of one per cent. of the total energy con-
sumed is obtained in the form of light, all the rest being dissi-
pated in invisible rays, of no value for the purpose. When con-
sidering that hundreds of millions of dollars are invested in the
United States alone for producing light in these crude ways, the
importance of a radical advance in this field will be appreciated.
The present systems, however, are not only wasteful, they
are also inseparable from other disadvantages as, the large cost of
installation, which is chiefly due to the great quantity of copper
required, the frequent renewal of the lamps, owing to their una-
voidable deterioration, the disagreeable character of the light
which, coming from a small surface, is naturally too intense and
detrimental to the eyesight, the necessity of employing more or
less opaque screens, which involve a considerable loss in illumi-
nating power, and many other drawbacks of this nature. It is true,
that recently Nernst and others have secured some gain in the effi-
ciency of the incandescent lamps or burners by the use of coatings of
rare oxides, which permit higher degrees of incandescence. But
this departure has not done away with the objectionable features
above mentioned, on the contrary, it has only added to them.
In Tesla's new lighting system all these disadvantages
are successfully removed. The light is produced with a much
smaller expenditure of energy, scarcely more than one eighth of
what is presently consumed for the same quantity of light, it is

[Michelinho]

Tesla Correspondence #118

Tesla Correspondence #118


New York, August 10th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Two dozen O. K. Dry batteries, large size, and two dozen small size, have been expressed to-day. The clockworks will be ready for shipment to-morrow, Finaly.

Great improvement, Mr. Uhlman says, has been made in the pump, the same giving steady, solid stream without splashing: the speed of the work of the second break has been increased and work on the third break is progressing rapidly.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

[Michelinho]

Tesla Correspondence #119

Tesla Correspondence #119


New York, August 11th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The two clockworks have been expressed this afternoon.

The continued improvement of the pump, Mr. Uhlman says, gives a corresponding greater degree of steadiness in the light.

The work of the third independent break is on the castings, disk, brush-holders, switch and minor parts.

Beside the inclosed, the mail to-day contained a letter from Bombay, India, inquiring about the new light, which I have answered similarly as you directed me to reply to another letter from the same place, which I recently forwarded.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

[Michelinho]

Tesla Correspondence #120

Tesla Correspondence #120


New York, August 12th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Your note of August 7th with checks for Mr. Unger, the Hammerschlag Mfg. Co, Edison Illuminating Company and for laboratory expenses, was received this morning. The small bills I shall pay in cash, as directed.

The work of the shop, Mr Uhlman says, is on the castings, disk, brush-holder and switch of the independent break and developpement of the pump. The speed of the second break is now up to 1900 revolutions per minutes.

I enclose a statement of expenses for this week.

Permit me to inquire about your health. I hope that you may speedily recover from your cold.

Respectfully and sincerely,

Geo. Scherff

[Jeff Pearson]

Morgan 0011

soft and agreeable to the eye, closely resembling daylight, and
the cost of the copper conductors is much less. Still better re-
sults as regards economy are, however, realizable with this kind
of light and are sure to be reached soon in the course of its in-
troduction. The lamps are very simple and ornamental and can be
manufactured cheaply, need never be renewed and, what is very im-
portant, it has been ascertained in long experience that their
rays have, like those of the sun, certain germicidal and sanitary
properties, so that their use in dwellings will become imperative.
Referring particularly to street-lighting and illumina-
tion of public places, Tesla's system offers features of an ideal
character. The lamps may be of any desired candlepower and may be
adapted to any kind of current of supply, and they last indefinite-
ly. The plant is cheaper and more economical and, owing to the
softness and diffusive character of the light, the illumination is
incomparably better. In view of this it is highly probable, that
the arc-light will be driven out of the market entirely, being
unable to compete.

[Jeff Pearson]

Morgan 0012

New York February 25th, 1901
Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
48 East Houston Street, New York.
My dear Mr. Tesla:
I have showed Mr. Morgan your letter of the 18th instant, and
he would like to see you on the subject before reaching a conclusion.
Would you kindly drop in at your convenience.
Yours very truly, Charles Steele

[Jeff Pearson]

Morgan 0013

New York, Feb. 25th, 1901
46 & 48 East Houston Str.

Mr. Charles Steele,
______ J. P. Morgan & Co.,
23 Wall Street, City.
My dear Mr. Steele:-
I have just received your kind letter and accordingly
will call to-morrow, hoping to find Mr. Morgan disengaged.
Yours sincerely

[Jeff Pearson]

Morgan 0014

New York, March 1rst, 1901
46 & 48 East Houston Str.

J.P. Morgan, Esg.,
23 Wall Street
New York City

Dear Sir:-
For several years past I have been engaged in perfecting
a system of electric lighting and in carrying on investigations
relative to wireless telegraphy and telephony, and I have made cer-
tain discoveries and inventions in connection with these subjects,
for which patents have been issued to me in the United States and
also in foreign countries.
I am anxious now to construct the apparatus necessary
for putting my discoveries and inventions to practical use and for
continuing my investigations on the subject named.
For this I desire to procure the sum of __________
and hereby agree that if you will advance such sum to me as
hereinafter stated, I will assign to you an interest of fifty-one
per cent. in all said patents and inventions, and also in any
patents or inventions which I may hereafter secure or make having
relation to or being useful in any way in connection with electric
lighting and wireless telegraphy or telephony. Such sum of________
is to be paid to me from time to time on my submitting to you
proper vouchers for expenditures made by myself in connection
with the subjects above mentioned.
Understanding that you are prepared to accept this offer,
I herewith hand you assignments of an interest of fifty-one per
cent. in the patents designated upon the schedule hereto annexed,
and if, as and when, any other or further patents for inventions
relating to or useful in electric lighting, wireless telegraphy or
telephony shall be secured or made by me, I agree forthwith to
assign to you a like interest of fifty-one per cent. therein.
Will you kindly confirm this understanding by letter.
Very respectfully yours,
Nikola Tesla

[Jeff Pearson]

Morgan 0015 and 0016 seem to be same letter with the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars filled in in the latter
upon reading Morgan 0017 we see the amount was left blank at first.

Morgan 0017

New York March 4th, 1901.

Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
46 East Houston Street, New York.
Dear Mr. Tesla:-
I have talked with Mr. Morgan regarding the form of your letter,
and it is satisfactery to him to have the sum of $150,000 filled in.
Will you kindly have the letter completed in this respect and
Mr. Morgan will confirm it at once.

Yours faithfully, Charles Steele

[Ernst]

Keep up the good work!
here and here are examples of how I envision the end product.
I will start on a Morgan-file as soon as time allows.

There must be 1000's of Tesla enthusiasts, if everyone would just do 1 transcript, the work could be done by tomorrow.
And through this work, your names will be linked to Tesla's legacy forever.


Ernst.

[Michelinho]

Tesla Correspondence #121-122-123-124-126-127-128-129-130

Tesla Correspondence #121


New York, August 14th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop, Mr. Uhlman reports, is on the castings, switch, pulley cover, shaft, brass parts and disk of the third independent break, and development of the pump.

The inclosed letter was received to-day. I have informed Mr. Sachers of your absence and stated, that you would undoubtedly regret the impossibility of complying with his wish.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff


__________________________________________________ ________________

Tesla Correspondence #122


New York, August 15th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Mr Uhlman reports that the work of the shop is on the castings, switch, pulley cover and disk of the third independent break and wooden bases for all three breaks. Great progress, he says, has been made in the development of the pump since yesterday.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff


__________________________________________________ _______________

Tesla Correspondence #123


New York, August 16th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Mr. Uhlman reports, that the work of the shop is on the switch, cover, disk, brush-holders, bushing and the spider of the third independent break and on the development of the pump.

Mr. Johnson inquired about your health to-day by telephone.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff


__________________________________________________ _______________

Tesla Correspondence #124


New York, August 17th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop is on the armature, disk, cover, brush-holders and minor brass parts of the third break and development of the pump. Mr. Uhlman says a very steady light is now obtained.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff


__________________________________________________ _________________

Tesla Correspondence #126


New York, August 18th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop continues on the third independent break, viz. the disk, armature, brush-holders, cover and armature spider, and the development of the pump. The progress in regard to the latter, Mr. Uhlman says, is most encouraging.

The mail obtained to-day at the Waldorf consisted only journals and a few circulars, neither have any letters been received at the office during the last few days.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff


__________________________________________________ ______________

Tesla Correspondence #127


New York, August 19th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Your note and check of $200 for laboratory expenses were received this morning. There must be some mistake about the bill of Hammerschlag Company, a check for the same amount was sent last week already.

Mr. Uhlman says the work of the shop is on the armature, armature spider, pump and pump arm, brush-holders and shaft of the third independent break, and that himself is continuing on the design of the break with constant overflow feature.

I enclose a statement of expenses for the current week.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff


__________________________________________________ ______________

Tesla Correspondence #128


New York, August 21rst, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop is on the shaft, brush-holders, armature, commutator and finishing of the castings of the third independent break and the pump. The speed of the second break, which runs very smoothly and quietly, Mr. Uhlman says, is now 2000 revolutions per minutes, but he expects to get it up to 2100 revolutions per minute very shortly.

The mail to-day consisted of the inclosed letter and a circular letter from the electrical congress of 1900, containing a request to become a member.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff


__________________________________________________ _______________

Tesla Correspondence #129


New York, August 22nd, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop continues on the shaft, brush-holders, armature, commutator and finishing of the casting of the third independent break and the development of the pump.

The speed of the second break, Mr. Uhlman says, is now up to 2100 revolutions per minute.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff


__________________________________________________ _________________

Tesla Correspondence #130


New York, August 23rd, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop is on the shaft, armature, commutator and finishing of castings of the third independent break. The speed of the second break, Mr. Uhlman says, has been still a little increased and good progress is being made in the pump.

The inclosed letter was received immediately after you left for the West. At that time I acknowledged its receipt to the writer, informed him that you were absent and that the letter would be submitted to you on your return. As the time of the exhibition is now drawing near, I forward it herewith for your consideration in case it should require a further answer.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

[Michelinho]

Hi Ernst,

Nice work on the hand written letters, I can make out a few words but not enough (my doctor would do fine as he is writing much the same way). I seem to have lost some text formatting, the paragraphs loose their indentation (forum software is not wiziwig). Sorry...

Take care,

Michel

[Michelinho]

Tesla Correspondence #131-132-133-134-137-138-139-140

Tesla Correspondence #131


New York, August 24th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Mr. Uhlman reports that the work of the shop is on the armature, commutator, shaft, pulley and minor brass parts of the third independent break and the development of the pump. The light which the pump gives is almost steady.

The inclosed letter and statement were received to-day.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ ______________

Tesla Correspondence #132


New York, August 25th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop continues on the commutator, armature, shaft, insulating and winding of the field magnets and minor brass parts of the third independent break and development of the pump.

Among the mail to-day was, besides some journals, press clippings and circulars the inclosed letter from Spain and bills of the Edison Illuminating Company.

Respectfully,

Geo.Scherff

__________________________________________________ ________________

Tesla Correspondence #133


New York, August 26th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop, Mr. Uhlman reports, is on field magnets, shaft, commutator and minor parts of the independent break and development of the pump. A steady stream without splashing is obtained from the latter, Mr Uhlman says, by breaking the flow of mercury in the pump and draining the mercury leaving the pump back into the pulley at one point behind the pump. A shield connected with a small gutter, against which the stream of mercury impinges, is placed between the teeth and wall of the pulley.

I inclose a statement of expenses for the past week. I had not sufficient funds to pay the men to-day, but they say they are not inconvenienced.

The inclosed letter was received to-day.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ ________________

Tesla Correspondence #134


New York, August 28th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Your check of $100 for laboratory expenses was received this morning. After paying the men, there remains cash on hand $22.97.

The work of the shop continues on the commutator, shaft, armature, field magnets and minor parts of the third break and development of the pump. Mr Uhlman says, _______________tails of the oscillator with overflow feature.

The inclosed letter was received to-day. As it comes from a journal, I was diffident about answering it.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ ____________

Tesla Correspondence #137


I do not understand your frequent reports about the pump. From your letter of to-day I understand that Mr. Uhlman has adopted one of the older plans, which is to throw the mercury into a pocket behind a screen and let it flow out from there with small velocity, the overflow keeping the pressure constant.

This is good, but I fear I must come back to overflow without pump, as I explained to Mr. Uhlman. Only this gives a perfectly steady flow. Tell Mr. Uhlman to adapt later type independent break for oscillator, the idea being to screw the break onto the casting as before. I do not remember now the exact sizes and cannot tell how it will go with the rest, but he can make such changes in the dimensions as are necessary: Note: In the new oscillator the regulating coil will be independently (outside of oscillator) used.

__________________________________________________ _______________

Tesla Correspondence #138


New York, August 29th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop, Mr. Uhlman reports, is on the winding of the field magnets, on the armature, shaft, commutator and minor brass parts of the third independent break and on the pump and design of the break with overflow feature.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ ___________

Tesla Correspondence #139


New York, August 30th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop is on the armature, shaft, commutator, minor parts and assembling of parts of the third independent break and on the pump.

Mr. Uhlman requests orders in regard to some new work.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ ______________

Tesla Correspondence #140


New York, August 31rst, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop is now, Mr. Uhlman reports, on the armature, the pump arm, finishing of the shaft and pulley, teeth for the disk and minor parts of the third break and on the pump.

The inclosed letter was received to-day. I have acknowledged _____________ the __________
___________________________________ forwarded to you in Colorado.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff


__________________________________________________ ______________

[Michelinho]

Tesla Correspondence #141-142-145-146-147-148-149-150

Tesla Correspondence #141


New York, September 11th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Your letter of Sept 6th, with check of $200 for the laboratory expenses, has been received this morning. I presented the check at the bank and obtained $50 in addition to the money drawn on Saturday, which leaves cash on hand at present $87.61.

I send herewith a pocket checkbook. I have again looked carefully over your previous letters, but do not find your order to send a checkbook.

Mr. Uhlman has immediately started work on the condensers. The third independent break, he says, is nearly finished, and he will then start on a fourth one as ordered.

I shall watch the papers and communicate anything I see of importance. I inclose here several clippings, among which is a recent paper by Lord Kelvin. I cannot judge of its vertue, but seeing the large amount of discussion it has called forth in the technical papers. I had laid it aside and intended to call your attention to it on your return.

__________________________________________________ ______________

Tesla Correspondence #142


I note that Mr. And Mrs. J. J. a> have just left Newport for Rhinebeck, where, the papers state, they will spend the rest of the season.

A postal card has been again received from the editors of L'electricita, requesting a photograph to be included in their album for the Como Exposition.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _________

Tesla Correspondence #145


New York, Sep. 13th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop is on the condensers and the fourth independent break. Mr. Uhlman says he will report the speed of the third break to-morrow.

I inclose several clippings which may be of interest. The Liquid Air Power Company, one of whose advertisements I sent some time ago, continues to insert columns in the daily papers; it has been denounced in some of the technical journals for its extravagant statements, such as its claim of being able to produce five horse-power from two.

The inclosed communication has just been received, I do not know whether it is bona fide, or whether it is only a scheme to obtain subscribers.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _____________

Tesla Correspondence #146


New York, Sep. 14th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop is on the condensers and the fourth independent break. The first test, Mr. Uhlman says gives the speed of the third break at 1900 revolutions per minute.

A notice was received to-day from the Electrotechnische Verein in Wien, that the yearly dues are payable. I have sent the amount of three dollars, by postal money order.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _____________

Tesla Correspondence #147


New York, Sep. 15th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop is on the condensers and the fourth independent break. Mr. Uhlman says he thinks the condensers will be finished by the middle of next week.

The three inclosed cuttings were contained in the mail obtained from the Waldorf to-day. The two short items seem to be making the round of the press of the country.

In the mail from the hotel were further two appeals for aid, one from the Young Men's Christian Association, the other from one Nestor Crossman, who says he was formerly a hall boy in the Gerlach and is ill; in answer to both of these I have written information of your absence.

The daily press contains nothing of special interest just now, the Mazet investigation, Dreyfus case and coming Dewey celebration occupying most of the space therein.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ ________________

Tesla Correspondence #148


New York, Sep. 16th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Your registered letter of Sep. 12Th, with check of $200 for shop expenses, and your note of Sep. 13th together with the letter of Mr. A. Maclean, Australia, were received this morning. The latter I have answered as directed.

The work of the shop is on the condensers, the cover and shaft of the fourth independent break; work on the pump also continues. The speed of the third break, which runs also very smoothly and quietly, Mr Uhlman says, is now up to 2000 revolutions per minute.

In your letter giving the order for the condensers it was not stated whether the condensers are to be sent to Colorado or not, and Mr. Uhlman and myself concluded, therefore, that they were not to be sent, but in speaking of the matter again to-day, we decided it would be better to sak if our supposition is right.

It has given me great pleasure to learn that your experiments are proving very satisfactory.

I inclose a statement of the expenses for the past week.

I mailed a checkbook last monday which, I hope, has been received.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _____________

Tesla Correspondence #149


New York, Sep. 18th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop continues on the condensers and the bushing and armature of the fourth independent break. There has been a delay in obtaining the castings for the fourth break, Messrs. Maher & Flockhardt saying, upon inquiry to-day by telephone that thome they moulded last week was defective, but that others would be made to-day and forwarded as soon as possible. However, Mr. Uhlman says, the shop is fully occupied.

He expects to have the condensers finished by to-morrow evening or Wednesday.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _______________

Tesla Correspondence #150


New York, Sep. 19th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Str.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Your telegram that you wish Mr. (Czito?) to come to Colorado Springs was received this afternoon, and I have answered by wire that he will leave here to-morrow morning. Upon inquiry it was found that the first train for the west to-morrow leaves only at 1 P. M.. He will take this train and should reach Colorado Springs Sunday morning. I have presented the telegram at the Chatham Bank and have drawn $78 which I have turned over to Mr. ______ for travelling expenses.

The work of to-day has been on the castings, switch and brushholders of the fourth independent break and on the condensers when latter are finished and ready for use.

Mr. Page to-day returned the Victorian patent No. (13,?96), on which, the annuity has just been paid.

I inclose a news item from to-day's Herald.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff