Loomis Day
Mahlon Loomis, a humble dentist, revolutionized the world when he created the “wireless telegram”. Take a moment to consider life without wi-fi, TV, or radio.
There is a man, as there is always a man (or woman), who is responsible for everything we take for granted today.
Neither he nor we could have seen the long term effects of what he had done, for many things had to come after it for what he designed to come to pass. In the fullness of time, the creation of the ‘wireless telegraph’ has utterly changed the world, and it took an American dentist in 1886 to set it all in motion.
Loomis Day celebrates Mahlon Loomis, a humble Washington, DC Dentist who created something amazing and changed the world.
How to Celebrate Loomis Day
Loomis Day is best celebrated by taking a little time to consider the way that this mans discovery helped to shape the world you live in today.
TV, Radio, even your Wi-Fi signal is all being sent through wireless means, on technology descended from a man standing on a mountaintop with a kite and a bit of wire for string.
History of Loomis Day
As with many things, the history of Loomis Day is actually the history of a man, and an event, and how they changed the world to come.
Mahlon Loomis was a dentist in the 1800’s who had an idea that had nothing to do with teeth. He knew about the electrical properties of the atmosphere, and like Tesla had conceived of an idea to transmit electricity through the air to a distant location.
His idea was, perhaps, off a bit. He thought to ‘charge’ a layer of the atmosphere to create an electrical conduit between two metal towers set high on mountaintops (Sound familiar?).
What we find interesting about this entire process is that in the end, most if not all of Loomis’s theories on how the atmosphere worked and, indeed, how his own apparatus worked were completely wrong.
Loomis was able to successfully transmit information from one location to another, but the reasons it worked were not the reasons he professed.
He felt that two kites, however many miles apart, flown at the same altitude, would be able to establish a DC circuit through the ionosphere and transmit information thusly. The results were exactly what he expected.
The reason, however, was completely wrong. We know that his idea of creating an electrical circuit through the DC wouldn’t work as he described it, what was likely happening is, since the kites were at the same height the ‘kite wires’ that were being used to transmit and receive information would therefore be of the same size.
This means the signal being sent from the transmitting kite would be at the correct frequency to be received on the other end. In short, it worked, but not how he thought it did.
Loomis Day FAQs
What inspired Mahlon Loomis to experiment with atmospheric electricity?
Loomis’s fascination with electricity grew from observing natural phenomena like lightning.
He theorized that the atmosphere contained layers of electrical energy that could be harnessed for communication.
His innovative thinking drove him to experiment with kites and copper wires to test this hypothesis in remote mountain regions.
How do modern amateur radio enthusiasts connect to Loomis Day?
Some amateur radio operators honor Loomis Day by conducting special events using Morse code or experimenting with unconventional wireless setups.
These activities pay homage to Loomis’s groundbreaking attempts at wireless communication and inspire appreciation for early telegraphy pioneers.
Did Mahlon Loomis receive any formal education in physics or engineering?
No, Loomis lacked formal training in science. His work stemmed from natural curiosity and self-education.
Despite his limited background, his observations and experiments with atmospheric electricity placed him ahead of his time in wireless communication.
What was the public’s initial reaction to Loomis’s wireless experiments?
Many viewed Loomis’s ideas as far-fetched. The concept of transmitting signals without wires sounded impossible to 19th-century audiences.
Despite skepticism, Loomis persisted and eventually demonstrated his methods to potential investors and Congress.
Why is Loomis Day important for the tech community?
Loomis Day reminds technologists of the value of unconventional thinking.
Loomis’s experiments foreshadowed wireless innovations like radio, Wi-Fi, and satellite communications. Celebrating his work highlights the importance of exploration and persistence in driving technological progress.
Are there any locations dedicated to Mahlon Loomis’s legacy?
While there are no major landmarks, enthusiasts occasionally visit sites in Virginia where Loomis conducted his kite experiments.
The region’s mountainous terrain made it ideal for his work, and these areas hold historical significance for wireless communication enthusiasts.
What parallels exist between Loomis’s work and modern wireless charging?
Loomis’s experiments explored transmitting energy through the air, a principle that modern wireless charging also uses.
While Loomis worked with communication signals, the concept of utilizing the atmosphere for energy transmission connects his ideas to today’s technologies.
Did Loomis’s kite experiments have any accidental discoveries?
Yes, during his tests, Loomis discovered how altitude influenced electrical potential.
Higher kite elevations generated stronger electrical signals, leading him to refine his techniques for atmospheric communication experiments.
What are some creative ways to celebrate Loomis Day?
People mark the day by building model kites to replicate his experiments or hosting discussions on wireless history.
Others may experiment with DIY radios or create educational projects to explore the science of wireless technology.
What’s a fun fact about Loomis’s patent?
Loomis’s 1872 patent described wireless communication as “telegraphing without wires,” a term rarely used today.
It included methods for using natural electricity, showcasing his unique vision for integrating science with practical innovation.
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