Hiram Percy Maxim and Clarence D. Tuska

“ Mica and glass rank high, while air is low. The thickness of the dielectric also depends on the area of the condenser, the time of charging, and discharging in proportion to the applied potential. Yes, air can be used as a dielectric, but is of little value in its natural condition. By pumping air into a tank which holds the condenser plates, we can use it as a dielectric, because its insulating qualities increase with pressure. Arlington uses condensers insulated by air at 250 pounds pressure per square inch. If I am not mistaken, a potential of 18,000 volts is applied ”

“ It certainly looks to me as if you had been a victim of one of those confounded “self-taught English” systems, and if such is the case you sure have done well with the material at hand. For looking over your communication, we're compelled to admit that every word you have used is an English word, and your spelling, on the whole, is good. ”

“ When charge condenser, dielectrics pressed much of electricity.
Air—glass—mica dielectrics; all same, no difference, dielectrics much pressed when charge condenser. So much sure.
Electrons one side condenser try jump other side.
Air, glass, mica, all same. Always try jump.
One side too few electrons: Then, now, other side too much. Suppose air, I have variable, I air vanish, all the some, condenser much pressed. Electrons from side with too many try hop side of too not enough.
Vanish I air quickly, I blow, charge stay, electrons try yet jump. Charge no never go. ”

“ Most men are not good penmen when in a hurry, so the typewriter is much faster than handwriting. I may also add that the hand writing of different men shows much of the character of the man and this is objectionable in some lines of business.
MR. ALLEN’S SOLUTION OF KATHKAN’S PROBLEM. When a condenser is charged, one set of plates is charged positively and the other negatively. This fact gives rise to a tendency for a spark to pass between the plates and thus equalize the charge. The dielectric, however, prohibits the passage of a spark. ”