The Fifteen Watt Tungsten Lamp

"The Fifteen Watt Tungsten Lamp" by Clair Elmore Anderson is a scientific exploration from 1912 that examines the ins and outs of a specific type of light bulb for a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Illinois. The study compares the 15-watt tungsten lamp to its more powerful counterparts, highlighting anomalies like "overshooting," where the lamp temporarily shines brighter than its normal level. With tests and analysis, Anderson explores the lamp's durability under various circumstances, focusing on the outcomes of stress tests compared to perfect operating conditions. The study shows that these lamps didn't last as long as expected under ideal conditions, but the stressed lamps did surprisingly well. The thesis further explores the science of overshooting, providing explanations and data why the lamps produce more light at first. Anderson's work wraps up with thoughts on the lamp's efficiency and how much the quality differs from different makers.