2-716-912 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'Mr. Patterson and His Apparatus', 1900. Mr George W Patterson of Chicago was the first person to put on displays of juggling with electrically lit clubs, powered by a storage battery which he designed and built himself. The battery 'evoked much comment from eminent electricians...it weighs 35lb, has thirty-two volts normal, and a capacity of ten amperes at about twenty-five volts...To give a display, the room is darkened, and Mr. Patterson, taking his stand in front of the audience, turns on the current and swings the clubs with the most wonderful results.' From "The Strand Magazine, an illustrated monthly", Volume XIX - January to June 1900, edited by George Newnes. [George Newnes Ltd, London, 1900]