Even before Parsons invented his steam turbine, a 'magnetoelectric machine' was being used to power electric lighting. In this case the beacons were helping the French fight off the Germans at the gates of Paris in 1871. Brilliant lamps called arc lights were used to stop the German soldiers storming the forts at night.

In the picture, the arc lamp can be seen being directed by the man at the top of the ladder on the left-hand side.