Loomis Day

It is a day to recognize the man who received the patent for wireless telegraphy on May 30th, 1872.

There is a man, as there has always been a man (or woman), who is responsible for all that we take for granted today. Neither he nor we could see the long-term impact of what he did, as much had to come after it for what he designed to come true. Over time, the advent of the 'wireless telegraph' completely changed the world, and it took an American dentist in 1886 to put it into operation. Loomis Day celebrates Mahlon Loomis, a humble Dentist in Washington, DC who created something amazing and changed the world.

History of Loomis Day

Loomis Day on May 30th honors Mahlon Loomis for his invaluable contributions to the world of telegraph communications. He was an American scientist and dentist since the 1800s. He was born in New York and is the third oldest of his siblings. Later, Loomis moved to Ohio to become a dentist and work full-time. While Loomis is best known for his invention of telegraph communication, he is also credited with creating artificial teeth from porcelain in 1857. At the same time, in the mid-1800s, it is clear that the Earth is enclosed in an electrical atmosphere. Loomis saw the potential to generate electricity from the atmosphere to meet growing electricity demand and realized the possibility of wireless communication.

In October 1866, Loomis put his idea to the test in the mountains of Virginia. He believes that the discrete concentric layers of the atmosphere should be able to create wireless connections when touched individually. He tied two kites to copper wire and flew them 20 miles apart over two different mountains. Each copper wire is attached to a galvanometer, which an electromechanical instrument is used to measure electric current. Through his experiment, it was possible to move one kite by moving the other. Loomis believes he created a closed circuit, but it was actually a primitive form of radio signal. He received a patent for his discovery titled 'An Improvement in Telephone Programming' in 1872. Since then, many other scientists and researchers have worked on his discovery. Today, we have a number of different technologies, from WiFi and TVs to walkie-talkies and internet-connected home appliances, all thanks to wireless telegraphy.

Some reasons for Loomis Day being loved

• It's a celebration of determination

Mahlon Loomis is a passionate scientist. Many of his theories have failed or been discredited. However, these failures did not prevent him from achieving his goal. Had he given up, we might not have had access to the wireless telegraph today.

• It's a celebration of endless possibilities

Who would have thought 100 years ago there would be a means of wireless communication connecting the whole world? From an accidental discovery, human ingenuity plays the most roles with the discovery and invention of many other things. The sky has no limit.

• It is a tribute to wireless telegraphy technologies

Do you find yourself in your daily life relying on the Internet, Google Home or other similar systems? As the result, it is also a great way to celebrate by appreciating these blessings that have made our lives easier, without any attached strings.

How to celebrate Loomis Day

• Read on Loomis

One of the ways to celebrate this day is to learn about Mahlon Loomis. His contributions to the scientific world, both in the field of wireless telegraphy and elsewhere, led to many important technological discoveries.

• Using the radio

Some kite experiments created the discovery of radio signals. It was through this discovery that many other wireless technologies were born. So take a moment to listen to the radio to appreciate how technology has evolved.

• Appreciate wireless technology

Today, we have a number of wireless technologies at our disposal. We can connect to the world at the touch of a button. We can also talk to our loved ones from a few miles away. And, with the sound of our voices, home appliances, connected to WiFi and software, can work. Take the time to appreciate the things we now take for granted.