Let us look back upon the inventions which were made in the domain of electric lighting by transformers from the time of Faraday’s discovery of induction up to the year 1880. There we see that three distinct characteristics were possessed by all the systems invented up to that year. These three characteristics lay in the construction, the ratio of transformation, and the method of employing the transformers. Single transformers, with two or more poles, were used. The ratio was either 1:1, in which case the induction coil is really not a transformer, or it was from a low to a high electromotive force; but nowhere do we find that currents of high electromotive force were converted into those of low electromotive force. The idea in the use of transformers was that of division, not that of distribution of electric energy. The difference between division and distribution of electrical energy is, in the main, as follows. By a division of electrical energy it is meant that a fixed amount of produced energy is divided into pre-determined parts of a certain number and size, while it remains indifferent, as far as the total energy is concerned, in what manner and how many of these parts are usefully employed. By distribution of electrical energy it is meant, on the other hand, that the energy produced is variable according to the variable requirements of consumption, the maximum requirement being pre-determined from the number and size of the local requirements, which also vary relatively to one another. Of the last of these systems there is no indication in any of the inventions of induction coils up to this date. If we seek for the cause of these characteristics, we find that the reason why transformers with two or more poles were constructed is, that the electricians of those days either did not know or did not understand the principles on which a proper transformer should be constructed. With them the idea of a magnetic pole acting on a wire near it was always present, while they entirely overlooked the fact that the electro-magnetic force, not the pole, produced the electromotive force in the wire. On account of this they were of opinion that free poles in a transformer were not only not a drawback, but, on the other hand, a distinct advantage. We find that Fuller especially held this view. He sought not only to have in his apparatus two simple poles, but double poles, and indeed he patented this arrangement of his transformer. The first claim of his patent reads thus:— “The double electro-magnet herein described, the main coils of which are included in the circuit of a main conductor from a generator of alternating electric currents, producing in said magnet consequent magnetic poles, as shown, and around which poles are coiled helices of wire for receiving the currents induced by the polar changes, said helices being included in the local circuit with the lamp.”