SAX, JULIUS:
Electrical engineer; born at Sugarre, Russia, 1824; died in London Aug., 1890. He emigrated to England in 1851, and started a business for the manufacture of scientific instruments, being employed by the master of the royal mint to construct automatic and other balances for use in that establishment. At the international exhibition held in London in 1862 he displayed bullion and chemical balances which obtained a prize medal, and which were purchased by the governor of Hongkong for the mint. The following years saw the production of a succession of mechanical inventions. In 1862 Sax took out patents for a metallic fire-alarm button; in 1869 he patented a form of magnetic A B C telegraph; in 1870, an improved mechanical recorder; in 1872, an electric billiard-marker; in 1881, an electromagnetic telephone, and an automatic system of electric call-bells for fire-stations; and later a system of cell-calls for police stations, prisons, etc. (adopted by the commissioners of the metropolitan police), an electric apparatus for checking cash receipts, etc. He made several improvements in electric bells and appliances for various purposes, and was awarded eight prize medals for excellence of manufacture.
Sax was overseer of the Western Synagogue, St. Alban's place, and was a liberal supporter of Jewish charities in London.
- Jew. Chron. Sept. 5, 1890.
