Signalling Across Space Without Wires: Being a Description of the Work of Hertz & His Successors

A scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work primarily focuses on the groundbreaking experiments conducted by Heinrich Hertz and his successors, specifically concerning the generation and application of electromagnetic waves for wireless communication. Utilizing Hertz’s discoveries, Lodge explores the theoretical and experimental aspects of how electrical signals can be transmitted over distances without the need for physical wires. The opening of this book begins with notes from a lecture delivered by Lodge at the Royal Institution of Great Britain, where he reflects on Hertz’s significant contributions to the field of experimental physics. Lodge emphasizes Hertz’s tragic early death and the impact of his work, which validated Maxwell's theories on electromagnetic radiation. He introduces his intention to demonstrate some of Hertz's experiments while providing a foundational understanding of electrical waves and their implications for telegraphy. This introductory portion sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of the principles behind wireless communication, detailing early experiments that demonstrate the existence and nature of electromagnetic waves as they relate to practical applications in signaling.