Topsy – the death sentenced elephant
Thomas Edison is obviously not much of an animal lover. Read this story on the WIRED blog.
On 4 Jan, 1903, Thomas Edison staged his highly publicized electrocution of an elephant in order to demonstrate the dangers of alternating current (AC).
This was because he had established direct current as the standard for electricity distribution and was living largely off the patent royalties. When another two punk scientists showed up with AC, he felt his livelihood threatened.
Here’s the elephant electrocution video (WARNING: Not suitable for viewing by animal lovers):
Can Edison’s actions here be considered as necessary animal testings for the advancement of science? It seems to be more for his personal gain… my respect for Edison has just gone down a notch.
Be kind to animals please.
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Neat post, I will visit once more.
“He who establishes his arguments by noise and command shows that reason is weak.”