The Late Adolphus A. Knudson.

The Late Adolphus A. Knudson.

With the death of Adolphus A. Knudson the engineering world has lost a leading expert on electrolysis. The late engineer was born in Southport, Conn., in 1846, of Norwegian parentage. His father was captain of the "Erie,” the largest sailing vessel that ever put out of the port of New York. With his father the younger Knudson made a voyage around the world, but soon gave up the sea to enter electrical engineering. He was early connected with the Western Union Telegraph company and the State Reporting Department. Among his more important inventions are the stock ticker, and the “K. K.” insulated wire, now in use all over the world. About ten years ago Mr. Knudson took up the study of electrolysis, and made a thorough study of 'it.

Mr. Knudson read many papers before electrical and engineering 'societies, and contributed many articles to this and other journals. During the past seven years his services were sought in a large number of places in making surveys of water and gas piping systems to determine the amount of damage done to them by electric action. About two years ago Mr. Knudson patented a device for counteracting electrolysis of piping. At the time of his death he was engaged on a survey at Meadville, Pa. He arrived there Wednesday, September 11, and started upon his duties; at 5 o’clock on Friday, September 13, while at the pumping station with Superintendent of Waterworks Harry Ellsworth, he suddenly dropped to the ground and without uttering a word, passed away from heart disease.