Lewis Howard Latimer (1848–1928) was an African American inventor and draftsman known for his contributions to electrical engineering and the development of the incandescent light bulb. He worked closely with Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison, playing a crucial role in refining and mass-producing carbon filaments for electric light bulbs. His work in arc lamps, such as the one depicted in this drawing, contributed to advancements in street lighting and electrical infrastructure. Arc lamps were an early form of electric lighting that used a high-voltage current to create a bright and sustained light arc between two electrodes. They were widely used in the late 19th century for streetlights, industrial lighting, and public spaces before incandescent bulbs became more practical.

Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]