Your grand-grand-parents new media
19th century people needed some explanation to understand the difference between the regular candlelight and the electrically simulated candlelight. Note the disclaimer at the bottom: “The use of Electricity for lighting is in no way harmful to health, nor does it affect the soundness of sleep.”
For all we know 19th century philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche was inspired by the developments in lighting technology when he wrote that “in the end, every second nature becomes the first”.
See also: Luxalive the emotionally aware lamp, Magical interaction. Thanks Berry.
This is awesome! I would live to have a larger resolution scan available that could be used to print out and put up on walls? Thanks!
They have these signs up in the rooms at the National Hotel in Jamestown, California (built in 1859).
http://www.national-hotel.com/
CPS: I created a couple printable files based off of a vintage version I found. You can find them here.
Oh sure we can chuckle about those silly Victorians being superstitious about electricity but I hear comments today about vaccines and artificial sweeteners that are just as ludicrous ostensibly being repeated by folks with expensive college degrees and an awareness of double-blind testing and large cohorts.
@Wesley: Thanks for that. I printed off one for my bathroom.
@Frederick: Agreed.
I’m afraid I have to set you straight on your explanation of the amusing note concerning ‘Edison’s Electric Light’.
I don’t think the use of the match refers to candlelight. In between candles and matches there was gas light, which was used to light streets, public buildings and private homes in many cities. In Berlin, where I live, c. 40,000 streets lamps still use gas today, though they are lit automatically, not with matches. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_lighting Another type of lamps that were and are lit with matches is, of course, oil lamps.
Keep up the good work.
Jan
This is better:
http://www.roadsideresort.com/blog/this-room-is-equipped-with-tesla-alternating-current