Nikola Tesla - Free-Energy Devices

HIGH FREQUENCY AND HIGH POTENTIAL CURRENTS. 273first. In a flame we set up light vibrations by causing molecules,or atoms, to collide. But what is the ratio of the frequency ofthe collisions and that of the vibrations set up? Certainly itmust be incomparably smaller than that of the strokes of the belland the sound vibrations, or that of the discharges and the oscillationsof the condenser. We may cause the molecules of thegas to collide by the use of alternate electric impulses of highfrequency, and so we may imitate the process in a flame ;andfrom experiments with frequencies which we are now able toobtain, I think that the result is producible with impulses whichare transmissible through a conductor.In connection with thoughts of a similar nature, itappeared tome of great interest to demonstrate the rigidity of a vibrating gaseouscolumn. Although with such low frequencies as, say 10,000per second, which I was able to obtain without difficulty from aspecially constructed alternator, the task looked discouraging atfirst, I made a series of experiments. The trials with air at ordinarypressure led to no result, but with air moderately rarefied Iobtain what I think to be an unmistakable experimental evidenceof the property sought for. As a result of this kind might leadable investigatorsto conclusions of importance, I will describeone of the experiments performed.It is well known that when a tube is slightly exhausted, thedischarge may be it passed through in the form of a thin luminousthread. When produced with currents of low frequency,obtained from a coil operated as usual, this thread is inert. If amagnet be approached to the it, part near the same is attractedor repelled, according to the direction of the lines of force of themagnet. It occurred to me that if such a thread would be producedwith currents of itvery high frequency, should be moreor less rigid, and as it was visible it could be easily studied.Accordingly I prepared a tube about one inch in diameter andone metre long, with outside coating at each end. The tube wasexhausted to a point at which, by a little working, the thread dischargecould be obtained. It must be remarked here that thegeneral aspect of the tube, and the degree of exhaustion, arequite other than when ordinary low frequency currents areused. As it was found preferable to work with one terminal,the tube prepared was suspended from the end of a wire connectedto the terminal, the tinfoil coating being connected to thewire, and to the lower coating sometimes a small insulated plate