Wildman Whitehouse

Edward-orange-wildman-whitehouse

Wildman Whitehouse

Edward Orange Wildman Whitehouse (1816 – 26 January 1890) was a British surgeon and electrical engineer. He is best known for his role in the early development of the transatlantic telegraph cable.

Early Life and Career

Whitehouse was born in 1816. He trained as a surgeon and practiced medicine for several years before becoming interested in electrical engineering. His medical background provided him with a unique perspective on the emerging field of telegraphy.

Involvement with the Transatlantic Telegraph Cable

Whitehouse became involved with the Atlantic Telegraph Company, which was founded by Cyrus West Field and others to lay the first transatlantic telegraph cable. Whitehouse was appointed as the chief electrician of the project.

Technical Challenges

The project faced numerous technical challenges, including the need to develop insulation materials and methods for laying the cable across the Atlantic Ocean. Whitehouse advocated for the use of high voltage to overcome the resistance of the long cable, a decision that later proved to be problematic.

Controversy and Failure

The first transatlantic telegraph cable was completed in 1858, but it failed after only a few weeks of operation. Investigations revealed that Whitehouse's use of high voltage had damaged the cable's insulation. This led to his dismissal from the project and a significant setback for the Atlantic Telegraph Company.

Later Life

After his dismissal, Whitehouse returned to his medical practice. He continued to be involved in electrical engineering to some extent but never regained the prominence he had during the transatlantic telegraph project. He died on 26 January 1890.

Legacy

Whitehouse's role in the failure of the first transatlantic telegraph cable is often highlighted in discussions of early telegraphy. Despite the failure, the project laid the groundwork for future successful transatlantic communications.

Related Pages

• Transatlantic telegraph cable
• Cyrus West Field
• Atlantic Telegraph Company
• Electrical engineering
• Telegraphy