Engineer from Russia P. Yablochkov in 1875 invented a device that he called an "electric candle". His method of producing bright light was based on an electric arc produced between a pair of carbon electrodes in a bulb. This device was designed by him in Moscow, but did not find not only sales, but even elementary interest in himself.
After a while P. Yablochkov left his homeland and moved to France, where he was able to devote all his strength to completing his design. Thus, the "electric candle" turned out to be the progenitor of electric light sources. 03/23/1876 Yablochkov was granted a patent for his amazing device, and the great electromechanic received a well-deserved recognition.
Yablochkov demonstrated his invention at the London exhibition, which took place on April 15, 1876. The scientist installed his 4 devices on iron pedestals and brought an electric current to them with the help of wires, which he connected to a dynamo machine. The switch was turned on, and the astonished audience saw blue light flooding the exhibition hall with its rays. The amazed spectators greeted the work of "electric candles" with prolonged applause.
The successful demonstration of the devices caused a real boom in the press, which reported in big headlines that "a native of Russia has opened a new era in electricity." The miraculous light stunned everyone and became a miraculous event of that time. We must pay tribute to Yablochkov, who did not find support in Russia, but in every way emphasized the origin of his invention. Thus, "Russia has become the birthplace of electricity" and the cradle of advanced, modern technologies.
Yablochkov's invention was instantly spread thanks to the support of entrepreneurs. And although the "candle" burned for only an hour and a half, it was in great demand at a price of only 20 kopecks. Due to the short operating time, bulbs had to be changed frequently, and soon an original device for automatic installation was invented.
At the beginning of 1877, shopping centers in the French capital were equipped with extraordinary light. 20 light bulbs with carbon electrodes were able to replace 200 gas lamps. Since May 1877, such lamps began to illuminate the streets of Paris.
A little more time will pass and the "Russian light" will illuminate many cities around the world. The era of mass electric lighting will begin ...