erts; and not till
he got their report as to ample factors of safety was Edison reassured
as to this detail.

A remark of Edison, familiar to all who have worked with him, when it
is reported to him that something new goes all right and is satisfactory
from all points of view, is: "Well, boys, now let's find the bugs,"
and the hunt for the phylloxera begins with fiendish, remorseless zest.
Before starting the plant for regular commercial service, he began
personally a series of practical experiments and tests to ascertain in
advance what difficulties would actually arise in practice, so that he
could provide remedies or preventives. He had several cots placed in the
adjoining building, and he and a few of his most strenuous assistants
worked day and night, leaving the work only for hurried meals and a
snatch of sleep. These crucial tests, aiming virtually to break the
plant down if possible within predetermined conditions, lasted several
weeks, and while most valuable in the information they afforded, did
not hinder anything, for meantime customers' premises throughout the
district were being wired and supplied with lamps and meters.

On Monday, September 4, 1882, at 3 o'clock, P.M., Edison realized the
consummation of his broad and original scheme. The Pearl Street station
was officially started by admitting steam to the engine of one of the
"Jumbos," current was generated, turned into the network of underground
conductors, and was transformed into light by the incandescent lamps
that had thus far been installed. This date and event may properly be
regarded as historical, for they mark the practical beginning of a new
art, which in the intervening years has grown prodigiously, and is still
increasing by leaps and bounds.

Everything worked satisfactorily in the main. There were a few
mechanical and engineering annoyances that might naturally be expected
to arise in a new and unprecedented enterprise; but nothing of
sufficient moment to interfere with the steady and continuous supply
of current to customers at all hours of the day and night. Indeed, once
started, this station was operated uninterruptedly for eight years with
only insignificant stoppage.

It will have been noted by the reader that there was nothing to indicate
rashness in starting up the station, as only one dynamo was put in
operation. Within a short time, however, it was deemed desirable to
supply the underground network with more current, as many