Loomis, Mahlon

Loomis, Mahlon, 1826–86, American inventor, b. Oppenheim, N.Y. He was a dentist by profession but spent much of his time pioneering in wireless communication. Using aerials borne by kites, he successfully transmitted signals (1866) between two mountains in Virginia, and was granted a patent in 1872. In 1873 the Loomis Aerial Telegraph Company was chartered by an act of Congress, but no money was appropriated and a lack of financial support caused the company to fail.

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