John Feeks being electrocuted, 1889

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John Feeks being electrocuted, 1889

John Feeks being electrocuted. In Lower Manhattan, New York, USA, in 1889, Western Union lineman John Feeks was electrocuted by alternating current (AC) wires. His corpse dangled for hours, unable to be retrieved. At the time there was a battle for dominance between AC and direct current (DC). The latter was favoured by Thomas Edison, who had considerable commercial interest in its success. He used this death as evidence for the dangerous nature of AC current. Eventually AC won the battle for dominance. Its properties allowed it to be easily transformed and transferred large distances without loss

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Media ID 6411110

© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

1889 1891 Accident Alternating Current Dead Death Dying Electricity Electrocution Fatal New York Physique Populaire Thomas Alva Edison Us A Wire Electrocuted Lower Manhattan Physical

EDITORS COMMENTS
This haunting print captures a tragic incident that unfolded in Lower Manhattan, New York, USA, back in 1889. John Feeks, a Western Union lineman, met his untimely demise when he was electrocuted by the powerful force of alternating current (AC) wires. The battle for dominance between AC and direct current (DC) was at its peak during this time, with Thomas Edison staunchly advocating for DC due to his commercial interests. Feeks' lifeless body hung suspended from the wires for hours on end as it proved impossible to retrieve him. This horrifying scene served as evidence of the perilous nature of AC current according to Edison's narrative. However, despite this tragedy and Edison's efforts to discredit AC power, it eventually emerged victorious in the struggle for dominance. The properties of AC electricity allowed it to be easily transformed and transmitted over long distances without significant loss—a feat that DC could not match. This historic event marked a turning point in our understanding and utilization of electrical currents. Through this poignant illustration from Science Photo Library's collection, we are reminded of the sacrifices made during scientific progress and how they have shaped our modern world. It serves as a somber testament to both human ingenuity and the dangers inherent within technological advancements.

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