16-Edison, Brown and Electrocution

Nov 17–Read Empires of Light, pp. 165-179 (Constant Danger from Sudden Death).  In-class discussion and blog posting on Brown’s role in Edison’s public relations campaign against AC.   What do you think of Harold Brown and Edison’s PR campaign, especially the demonstrations Jonnes discusses (172-77)?  Was this campaign ethical?  Was it a legitimate business and engineering enterprise?   Use the New Post link in the blue area at the top of the page.  Make sure to check the boxes on the posting page for your name (under people) and Edison Electrocution (under assignments).   

Nov 19–Read Empires of Light, pp. 185-198 and 204 (bottom)-213 (The Horrible Experiment).  Post your thoughts on whether Edison’s position on electrocution was unethical or otherwise  misconceived.  Use the New Post link in the blue area at the top of the page.  Make sure to check the boxes on the posting page for your name (under people) and Edison Electrocution (under assignments).   

Nov 24th–read Empires of Light, pp.  198-204 (the PR struggle over the electrocution of a Western Union lineman in The Horrible Experiment).  Imagine you are either Edison or Westinghouse and enter a post to the class blog in the form of a letter to one of the New York papers on the Western Union lineman case and the safety of AC and DC.  At the end of the class, you will comment on each other’s postings.  Make sure to check the boxes on the posting page for your name (under people) and Lineman’s Death (under assignments).   

For your final paper, you will write a 4 page (typed and double spaced) revision of your letter to the New York papers on the Western Union lineman case and the safety of AC and DC.  You can submit the paper (bring a print copy to my office and email me an electronic copy) anytime after Wed Dec 10th and before Mon Dec 15th).