Frank Julian Sprague: Electrical Inventor and EngineerFrank Julian Sprague invented a system for distributing electricity to streetcars from overhead wires. Within a year, electric streetcars had begun to replace horsecars, sparking a revolution in urban transportation. Sprague (1857–1934) was an American naval officer turned inventor who worked briefly for Thomas Edison before striking out on his own. Sprague contributed to the development of the electric motor, electric railways, and electric elevators. His innovations would help transform the urban space of the 20th century, enabling cities to grow larger and skyscrapers taller. The Middletons' generously illustrated biography is an engrossing study of the life and times of a maverick innovator. |
Contents
A BOYHOOD IN NEW ENGLAND | 2 |
THE MIDSHIPMAN INVENTOR O | 10 |
SPRAGUE AND THE NEW WORLD OF ELECTRICITY | 34 |
Copyright | |
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American April Archives Section armature Assigned to Sprague automatic train control Automatic Train Stops brake building cable Chicago Commission committee Daft Depoele developed early Edison General Electric Elec electric elevators electric locomotive electric motor electric power electric traction Electrical Engineer electrification Electro-Dynamic Motor elevated railway equipment Frank Julian Sprague Frank Sprague Frank Sprague Papers Ibid installed inventions inventor John Julian Sprague Papers July June laboratory later Letter to Frank machine magnets Manhattan Middleton miles Motor FJS multiple unit multiple unit control multiple unit system Naval Academy Naval Consulting Board navy North Adams operation overhead passenger patent president problems proposed railroad Railway Age Railway and Motor rapid transit Richmond South Side speed Sprague Electric Railway Sprague Safety Control Sprague system Sprague's steam street railway submarine subway third rail Thomas Edison tion torpedoes track traction motors train control system trolley Westinghouse Wilgus William wire York Central