100 YEARS AGO

Abstract

Advances in technology in 1900 raised the question: is electric light injurious to the eyes? A physician in California warned that the public was “greatly in need of correct information in regard to the injury resulting from the improper use of electric lights... The injurious influence of these glowing filaments cannot be avoided when the lamps are used with clear glass globes.” His conclusion: “It is difficult to see how the lights can be adapted to general illumination while obviating their harmful effect.”