It would be quite easy to fix up an apparatus by means of which we could show whether an office in New York was lit up or not, the observer being situated in London. This is a form of energy or combination of phenomena which amounts to wireless sight, but it does not help us to see shapes or forms or to say if the light is from a candle, the sun, or an arc lamp.
By increasing the number of cells from one to, let us say, twenty, we could possibly indicate the difference between the moving shadow of a cross or a circle, but to radiate detail is a very difficult problem, which doubtless will be partially solved within the next few years. The electro-magnetic theory of light and the phenomena exhibited by the neon tube, present many opportunities.
What an excellent invention this will be! It means that a telescopic camera could be attached to an aeroplane and the views seen by thousands in a cinematograph theatre who may have the pleasure of witnessing the finish of a horse-race and knowing without loss of time how much money they have lost.
It would mean that the crew of a ship, a submarine in difficulties, or the passengers in an aeroplane, might be visible to people many miles away. It could not yet occur without their wish, for the transmitting apparatus must first be put into operation.
The senses of seeing and hearing are possibly amongst the most important of all, and, if we can convey both of them to a distance, it means that we can call friends, nations, music, and personalities to our fireside, by the touching of a button.
Such possibilities need no enlargement. Wireless may prove a far more rapid link than the ordinary increase of travelling speed and may help nations to intermingle to the common good.
The question of seeing in colours has hardly yet been considered, but that also will come to us, however great the difficulties may appear to-day.
Certainly Leagues of Peace will have more arguments, and Generals will have more weapons.