The powerful history of electricity generation, consumption, and science are brought to life in this magnificent collection of historical electrical science and technology films. Topics Include:History of Electricity, Electrical Science & Energy, History of Electronics, Power Generation & Distribution, History of Light Bulbs
Included Films:
How Man Made Day
How Man Made Day
Produced: 1960s
Length: 10 Minutes
How Man Made Day explains how man invented artificial daylight. It presents the progress of mans use of light from bonfires to candles to gas lamps and finally to light bulbs and fluorescent lamps. The film starts with a scenic view of sunset and proceeds to show a man turning the lights on of his house one by one, giving emphasis to the importance of being able to see your surroundings, even at night. The film shows primitive people using fire to light their caves as well as to protect themselves against wild beasts and a medieval setting in which men invented the candle and the wick. The most important breakthrough presented is Thomas Edisons invention of the electric light bulb. The film also illustrates how bulbs function and how light is controlled. The light bulb and the fluorescent light are seen as ingenious inventions as these do not use heat to provide light. With these inventions, streets can be light at night, extending day time and thus extending the time people can interact with each other.
Light Of Your Life
Light Of Your Life
Produced: 1950s
Length: 28 Minutes
Light of Your Life shows the role of light bulbs in the lives of everyday people and covers the evolution of light bulbs through time. The film starts with Nancy and an animated miniature professor from a light bulb who lectures her about the significance of light bulbs. The professor gives a lecture on the development of light bulbs, its parts like coils and filament inside and how these parts bring the bright light that lights up Nancys life. The professor and Nancy look into the aspects of life in which light bulbs play a very crucial role. The professor shows, for example, that light bulbs are important in surgery and in car safety as these provides bright light. Light bulbs are also important in aviation security and locomotive industry. The film also shows the role of light lamps use under the sea and at the mining industry. These highly specialized lamps were made differently to suit the needs under water and under the ground. Fluorescent light is also discussed and its benefits such as efficiency and cheaper price are highlighted. The film closes with General Electrics laboratories in Cleveland where these bulbs are made and tested. Truly, light bulbs have revolutionized the way man lives as these provide safety and efficiency.
Electronics At Work
Electronics At Work
Produced: 1943
Length: 21 Minutes
Industrial achievements abound! With helpful animation, some of the most complex electronic discoveries can be understood. The film aims to introduce the amazing breakthroughs man has made through science and especially the breakthroughs in electrical tubes. With footage of women factory workers busy in their assemblage of various electronics, it is obvious that this workforce was essential to the invaluable process of innovation. One can see the involvement and focus of American society in building technology and electronics.
We Use Power
We Use Power
Produced: 1956
Length: 11 Minutes
Wouldnt it be great if it was downhill all the way to school and then downhill all the way back home. Too bad! Discover the many ways to generate energy, from nuclear to steam to hydro, in this vintage science film. Using simple illustrations and demonstrations, We Use Power, explores how to harness energy and its many uses.
Underground Cables
Underground Cables
Produced: 1940s
Length: 11 Minutes
Underground Cable, a creation of Bell Telephone Company, outlines efforts to waterproof underground cable around the San Francisco Bay area. Some basic engineering principals are explained as well as the importance of keeping below ground wiring dry.
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When the Circuit Breaks: America’s Energy Crisis
Produced: 1975
Length: 27 Minutes
A progressive film for its time, When the Circuit Break, details energy consumption, while stressing the importance of energy conservation. The film begins with a thorough history of energy production and consumption and ends with an enlightened discussion about how people will need to change energy use habits.
Electromagnetism
Electromagnetism
Produced: 1930s
Length: 11 Minutes
In this silent film, the principles of electromagnetism are explained. Using simple and easy-to-understand diagrams, the magnet is introduced and analyzed in detail. As the magnet moves so do the electrical properties around them. Even without sound, the film really shows what magnets are capable of doing.
