Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 313 Do You Believe in Light? (Bonus Chapter 1)

Lionel didn't waste any time and got straight to the point, asking his question: "I'm very interested in the principles and development of electric lights."

Could you briefly explain what materials are used to make the filaments in modern light bulbs? How bright are they? And how long does a light bulb typically last?

Upon hearing that someone was interested in the technical details, Tesla's eyes lit up slightly, unlike his previous businesslike demeanor.

He began to explain in detail: "The filaments we use now are mainly carbon filaments, which are bamboo fibers that have been carbonized at high temperatures and then electrified in a vacuum glass bulb to emit light."

The 16-candle model you selected is equivalent to the brightness of 16 standard candles, significantly brighter than a typical single-burner gas lamp, and the light is more stable and flicker-free.

He paused, considered his words carefully, and continued, "As for lifespan... that's a challenge. The carbon filament will slowly sublimate at high temperatures, gradually thinning until it breaks..."

Mr. Edison was able to maintain the light for 1200 hours in his laboratory; he was truly a genius! Wasn't he?

But in your home, which isn't a laboratory... depending on usage frequency and voltage stability, it's around 500 hours.

But rest assured, our 'lighting contract' includes regular inspection and bulb replacement services.

Lionel pondered, “500 hours…” That’s a short lifespan, but it’s a revolutionary advancement for this era.

He then raised a crucial question: "Would it be feasible to replace gas lamps with these incandescent bulbs in a larger space—such as a theater?"

Nikola Tesla shook his head almost without hesitation: "With the current technology of incandescent bulbs, we cannot meet the needs of theater lighting."

Their brightness is far from sufficient, and the light color is orange-yellow, failing to simulate daylight and appearing dim and distorted on stage.

However, he mentioned another possibility: "If 'electric lights' are to be used in the theater, the more feasible solution at present is arc lamps."

Lionel became curious: "An arc lamp?"

Tesla stated confidently, "Yes. It emits light by using an electric arc discharge generated between two carbon rod electrodes."

The temperature of an electric arc is extremely high, exceeding 3000 degrees Celsius, thus producing an extremely intense white light, far brighter than a carbon filament lamp.

The best one available now is the Russian 'Yablochkov candle,' invented by Mr. Pavel Yablochkov.

As he spoke, he gestured with his hands: "Theoretically, a few high-powered arc lamps can illuminate the entire stage."

It can completely replace those complicated and bulky gas lamps we have now. Electric lights have no open flame and are much more reliable than gas lamps.

Lionel listened attentively and then asked a new question: "It sounds ideal, but why hasn't any theater hired him yet?"

Tesla bluntly stated: "Its shortcomings are also obvious - first, the light from the arc lamps is too strong and very dazzling, making it difficult for both the stage and the audience to adapt."

Secondly, the carbon rods can only burn for a few hours, and they need to be replaced almost after each performance, which is very costly.

Furthermore, the electric arc will produce a hissing noise and flicker noticeably, which will interfere with the performance.

The most important reason is that it requires very complex power supply management, and it can easily burn out if not handled carefully...

I actually heard that the Paris Opera had it installed a couple of years ago, but they quickly abandoned it.

Lionel smiled as he looked at the eloquent young man: "Mr. Tesla, can you manage it?"

Nikola Tesla smiled confidently and did not answer.

Lionel didn't press the matter; he was preoccupied with other things.

He had been thinking about the new script for a long time, but he was always worried that he wouldn't be able to achieve the desired effect in terms of stage technology, which would greatly diminish the performance.

This is not a play for students, after all. Parisian audiences have long been spoiled, and any flaw could draw boos.

But I'm unwilling to compromise!
It took Lionel a while to come to his senses amidst Tesla's coughing.

He sincerely extended his hand and shook hands with the other person: "Thank you very much for your explanation, Mr. Tesla. To be honest, I have some dealings with the Comédie-Française and am considering making some attempts with stage lighting."

I am very interested in electricity and these emerging lighting technologies, and I will consult you again in the future. Would that be convenient?

Nikola Tesla rarely encountered an "outsider" so interested in the principles of technology, and readily nodded: "Of course, Mr. Sorel."

I'd be happy to speak with you. You can find me at the Edison Company office.

Lionel smiled and said, "Then it's settled. I'll leave the lighting of this villa to you from now on."

------

Over the next few days, Tesla and his team were busy at the villa in Vernef.

The wires were carefully laid along the edges of the ceiling and behind the wainscoting, and porcelain insulators were fixed in place.

Brass lamp holders with transparent glass shades were installed in the locations designated by Lionel.

Once all the installation and debugging work was completed, one evening, after a final check, Tesla said to Lionel, "Mr. Sorel, the system is ready and you can test the lights."

Lionel, Sophie, Alice, and Patty gathered in the living room, filled with curiosity and anticipation.
In addition, Zola, Turgenev, Maupassant, Huysmann, Paul Asclec... they were also invited.

Tesla walked to the power switch on the wall—a simple pull-cord switch, which was considered a convenient control method in this era.

"Watch carefully," Tesla said, pulling the switch.

A soft "click" sounded.

Instantly, the incandescent light bulb hanging from the ceiling in the center of the living room emitted a steady and soft yellowish-white light.

This light was neither as flickering as a gas lamp, nor as dim and confined as candlelight.

It steadily and evenly filled the entire room, dispelling the winter twilight and illuminating every corner of the living room clearly.

The newly painted walls appeared even whiter, and the wood grain of the new furniture was clearly visible.

"Wow!" Patty couldn't help but let out a soft gasp, covering her mouth with her little hand.

Sophie and Alice stared wide-eyed, their faces filled with astonishment.

Zola, Maupassant, and others also expressed their admiration.

Accustomed to dim lighting, they seemed to see the interior of the building clearly for the first time at night.

Lionel looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar lights, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him.

Although the light at this time still had a distinct yellow tint and its brightness could not compare with that of later generations, it was already a great beginning.

Tesla looked at the steadily glowing lamp and a satisfied expression appeared on his face: "Success!"

He carefully checked the other lights to make sure they were working properly before taking his leave of Lionel.

After Tesla and his team left, the villa returned to silence.

But this quiet was different from the past, because the presence of electric lights made the night seem less long and oppressive.

A grand dinner has begun, and the villa is now filled with joyful cheer!
At the dinner table, Émile Zola excitedly proposed naming the villa in Lionel "Land of Light"!
This immediately won loud applause from Maupassant and others.

Lionel: "..." Emile, do you also believe in the light?
However, he has already decided to meet with the director of the Comédie-Française tomorrow, as his new script requires more than just the cooperation of the actors.

(End of this chapter)