Part 1: When the Light Goes Out...by Megan Tolentino

Tuesday, 14 August, 2018: the mixed collection of restoration experts arrives in Portland, Oregon having flown in from across the states. 28 yr old William Mason, engineer, from Chicago; 33 yr old Bruce Porter, archaeologist, from upstate New York; 42 yr old Patrick Burford, master electrician, from Massachusetts; 63 yr old Nick Thompson, master mason, from Maine; and 43 yr old Prof Amanda Dogood, historian, from Boston.

Sara Vegas having coordinated the flight arrivals to be near as possible so they can all climb into one car (chauffeured limo) for the almost 2 hour drive to the coastal town of Emerald Cove. Enough time for introductions and sharing of what little info they have. “So, what do you make of the friction between Reinhart and the community? You’d think they’d be happy someone is pouring money into their town coffers. Making another landmark to increase the tourist trade.”

Emerald Cove is a quaint coastal tourist town along the Oregon coast. The main road through town dotted with touristy shops. Vivid colors and seaside architecture complete with replica lighthouse peaks to the stores, nautical names of shops, seafood restaurants almost every other block. Even their destination, the Cauldron Inn, portrays the same idyllic theme in its design. With luggage in hand, they approach the front desk where they are greeted by Nancy. “Welcome to our fair city. Your rooms are all set; paid in advance. Limo; impressive. Please, sign the registry. And whomever will be driving the rental jeep also reserved for you, please sign the release forms. May I ask where you are from? What brings you here?”

Awkward pause till Nick steps forward to sign the jeep paperwork, “We’re actually here for a construction conference. A chance to see firsthand your Pacific architecture prominent in town. Gather ideas for renovations in other seaside towns that envy your tourist traffic.” No mention of the lighthouse project. As they head to their rooms, “Ten minutes? Meet in the lobby. I’m famished. 3-hour time zone difference, early flight out of Massachusetts. Only airplane food. Yeah, I need to eat! It’s already after 11am and we’re to meet Sara at the lighthouse around 1pm.” 20 minutes later, from the back of the jeep as they wait in the drive-thru line, Amanda questions, “I thought you said food. I was hoping for a sit-down meal. Not Jack-n-the-Box.”

With smartphone in hand, Bruce navigates the drive to the lighthouse as Nick drives. 12 miles north out of town. Soon turning off the paved road for a rutted dirt path. Bruce losing phone service about the same time Nick hits a jarring rut [fumbled Drive Auto], that lurches the jeep hard left toward the cliffs! Panic and squeals as their lives flash before their eyes…before Nick is able to regain control, slamming the breaks. [Phew! Death before they even get started.]

They crest another rise and finally begin to see their destination. First the rotating light itself, then the lighthouse tower and connected house at its base. The long arm of a crane paralleling the tower. But as they get closer, the impression fades…obvious signs of disrepair, overgrown grass, thick clumps of wild blackberry bushes. Even a rusting chain fence with a sign at the gate, “PRIVATE PROPERTY – KEEP OUT.” And that’s when the lighthouse’s strangely green light suddenly winks off.

Bruce gets out to unlock the gate (per intro letter combination) allowing Nick to drive thru and park inside by the house. As everyone exits the Jeep, Sara steps from the lighthouse, “I’m so glad you all made it in safely! I hope you had a wonderful trip. We’re just working on removing the lens to clean and restore it. It’s really a thing of beauty! Once it’s down you should really take a look. In the meantime, let me show you the house while they lower the lens.” And that’s when the crane comes to life.

Amanda has already surmised [History check] the house is newer than the lighthouse; nearly half it’s age. Sara acknowledging the lighthouse over 150 yrs old while the house maybe 70. As they step inside, Amanda is already gagging and has to retreat for fresh air [failed CONsave]. Nick pulls his T-shirt up to cover his nose as the pungent smell of mold and vermin trash is overwhelming. William making note, “May be black mold which would force replacing most wood if not extreme power washing with toxic chemicals.”

A quick survey reveals architectural drawings laid out on a table. [Spot Hidden] Bruce finds an old chest with the original keeper’s molding logbook. While Pat notices strange markings on the stone walls where the wallpaper has started to peel, “Is that drawn in blood?”

William steps forward to rip off strips of wallpaper to reveal more, “It’s eventually all going to have to come down.” Bruce steps forward to analyze [Occult], “A Warding glyph? Meant to keep someone or something out of the room.” It’s not long before each corner of the first floor is bare of wallpaper revealing more glyphs. Sara surprised at the findings, “I’ll have to call Mr. Reinhart but I don’t think those markings need to be part of the restoration.”

And that’s when the noisy crane goes silent. Which allows the tour to continue into the lighthouse. Except for Amanda who surveys the grounds outside. An overgrown garden. Strange plants uncommon for a garden. And from her travels and knowledge [Natural World], plants uncommon to the Pacific area. She pockets samples before continuing her walk. Coming to the fence where she finds a cut opening. Trespassers.

Meanwhile, inside the lighthouse, more stench. A spiral staircase climbs around a thick central support metal rod that rises to the top. Pause as they quizzically study 1-foot diameter circles chiseled into the warping wood floor. The 8 circles symmetrically placed around the staircase. Nick [Spot Hidden], drawn to the warped corner that reveals bare stone foundation beneath, spotting etchings on the stonework.

Others join him as he pulls up more of the floor boards exposing a quarter of the floor and the etched diagram beneath. Bruce (their Occultist) announces how the 2 overlapping squares make 8 corners that perfectly matchup with the circles cut into the wooden floor above. “A ritualistic symbol. But what purpose, what ritual I don’t know.”

Meanwhile, William climbs the staircase snapping more pictures in his effort to document everything. Reaching the exposed light room absent a lens. 2 glass panels removed so the lens could be extracted. A grand vista…cars and a bus parked maybe a mile south at what must be ‘The Witch’s Cauldron’. And that’s when Amanda re-joins the group, stepping over the pile of broken planks. “What do you make of this list of names?” There, written on the back of the planks are 13 names: Charles Schaffer, Eloise Schaffer, Minnie Brown, Emil Paulson, Maurice Lincoln, Edward Myers, Henry Chase, Alice Chase, Ethel Allen, Virgil Allen, Joel Wheeler, Elizabeth Wheeler, and Harriet Williams.

Sara can only exclaim, “Fascinating” as she makes more notes of their discoveries. “Let me show you the lens. I had to look this up. It’s called a Fresnel Lens. Specifically designed for lighthouses to be visible from long distances!” They gather round to inspect the lens [Spot Hidden], “Why would someone make these etchings in the glass?” Bruce noting their occultish symbology, “Same string of symbols repeated across the glass. Different handwritings. Etched by multiple people at the same time, or maybe a century of each lightkeeper adding his own?” William adding his own engineering take, “Doesn’t make sense. The etchings would decrease the efficiency of the lens.”

And that’s when a low rumbling can first be heard, then felt as the ground begins to shake. Knocking Nick off his feet. The sound of tinking, then yelping as both William and Bruce get impaled by small shards of glass broken from the lens. Patrick and Nick treating their wounds as Sara distraughtly asks how bad the damage to the lens, “Don’t lose those shards. Maybe we can glue them back?” And that’s when Sara calls over the site foreman David Brookes.

A short conversation before David retreats to his workers tending the crane. Who then walk to their own car and retrieve sleeping bags. When asked, David tries to downplay his nervousness, “This place has great bones as a restoration project. But I gotta admit, especially after that quake, the place gives me the creeps. But Mick and Clint there have offered to stay the night to guard the lens. There’s been trespassers…at least no vandalism. They were already daring each other to stay the night on a lookout for the ghost of the first lightkeeper.”

It’s after 6pm when they head back to town. Bruce and Amanda dropped off at the library for research, Pat and William dining at Mick’s Pub, while Nick drives to the local Mason Lodge. His masonic pin attached to his collar, the secret handshake upon entering, the elder mason welcomed into the fold. And an earful of local rumors: bigfoot sightings; their own local monster called the Melting Man, a shape-changer considering each description of the man is different. Pat and William at the pub also overhearing gossip till William lets it slip he is working the lighthouse project. All eyes turn to the pair in a scowl, “So you work for that thieving millionaire?! If you know what’s good for ya…convince the old crone to honor our eminent domain claim. He don’t belong here; will never be accepted. He’ll grow old, cold, and die…but not soon enough for our liken.”

Meanwhile, Bruce and Amanda enter the library and walk past the front desk back to the computer room for research. The librarian giving them a short glance and whispered announcement, “An hour before closing.” Bruce googling [Library Use] town history while Amanda types in names for her google search…from the list of 13 recorded on the floorboard. Combined: 

1.     The lighthouse was built in 1874, and they had a terrible time keeping people working there until Charles Schaffer took the post.

2.     Town founded by Charles Schaffer in 1885 after a five-year tenure as lighthouse keeper. He retired in 1905, and his son Paul Schaffer was assigned the post.

3.     The Schaffers had a great deal of influence in the area, from 1880 when Charles Schaffer became the keeper to 1963 when they closed down the lighthouse, a Schaffer was always there.

4.     These last seven years are the first time there hasn’t been a Schaffer in Emerald Cove, and the place has been the worse for it.

5.     Schaffer: local family name of generations. Eloise was Charles’ wife. Adam the last to live there 7 years ago when he was reported swept out to sea by a rogue wave.

6.     Paulson: another local family name of generations. Mortimer the current city mayor.

7.     Chase: another local family name of generations. Madeline current librarian. 

Bruce quizzically pondering, “If the lighthouse was closed in 1963, why do they need to keep the light working?” And that’s when it dawns on Amanda to call on the librarian, “Madeline isn’t it? I hope you can help…can you tell me why the town elders oppose the lighthouse project.” Pleasant smile till she hears the lighthouse mentioned. She pinches her lips with almost a sneer, “So you work for Reinhart. The man’s a fool and you too, dabbling in things…we saw him remove the lens.”

And that’s when Bruce, standing at the computer room doorway to overhear, timidly interrupts, “Uh, look at the time. Amanda, we are late. We’d best leave now.” Madeline turns at the new voice and locks her stare on him; a cold chill prickling the hair on his arms [failed POWsave]. As Bruce hustles Amanda out the door, he trips and stumbles down the steps [failed DEXsave considering he’s been cursed with ‘Evil Eye’]. The professor left wondering, “Why is everyone so opposed to the lighthouse restoration?”

A convenient rejoin with Nick returning from the lodge as the 3 enter Mick’s Pub. Silence fells the room as all eyes turn to the new arrivals. And catcalls when they join William and Pat. It’s a quick last-call for the team as they hustle out the door. “I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted.” On the drive back to their inn, they exchange news. Bruce quite rattled by the librarian, “She creeped me out. I still feel a chill. Now I can’t stop thinking about all those glyphs in the house and lighthouse. Maybe the townfolk are trying to keep something at bay.”

It’s a restless night for a few. Drunken snoring from Pat’s room. After 4am and Nick can’t get back to sleep. He suddenly pulls out the paper phonebook and flips to the C’s noting an address. Stepping into the hallway, he spots light from under a few doors. A light knock on Bruce and Amanda’s doors. “Are you up for a little drive around town? Maybe Starbucks?” Amanda convinces him to wake William and Pat, “Might as well stick together as a team.”

Backseat drivers continue to point out another coffee shop Nick has driven past. “I’m looking for something more local.” Yet he drives with a purposeful destination in mind. On the outskirts of town, he slows in front of a house. Bruce reacting to the name over the mailbox, “Chase? You drove us out to Madeline’s house? ARE YOU CRAZY?!” Nick parks and steps out, opening the mailbox then removing the mail which he dumps in Bruce’s lap. Now Amanda chimes in, “ARE YOU FUCKING CRAZY?!” The porch light pops on the neighbor’s house. William slides down into the seating, “You know, we just witnessed a felony.” Nick casually drives away, “Anyone up for some coffee?”

Pat returns to the jeep with a tray of steaming coffee he passes around. Nick busy opening mail he stacks on the console. Bruce taking his cup which he promptly spills (the ‘Evil Eye’ jinx still in effect till sunrise). “Hot, hot, hot!” His pants soaking, along with most of the mail. Nick trying to calm the archaeologist, “Don’t worry about the stains. I’ll be dumping the mail soon. Just junk mail and her electric bill. Nothing incriminating.” A voice from the backseat, “Since we’re up, how about a drive out to the Witch’s Cauldron?”

As they draw near, sunrise still hidden behind them, Nick suddenly exclaims [Spot Hidden – Extreme success], “Does anyone else see that? Someone’s committing suicide!” He steps on the accelerator then swerves into the cauldron parking lot, jumping out to run toward the surf, yelling, “Stop. Let’s talk this through. Don’t make me rescue you. I hate cold water.” Bruce climbs out too, “Where is he? I can’t see anything.” By now the head sinking beneath the lapping waves. The cauldron to their right, a 30 degree slope down to the shore, Nick about to remove his shoes to rush after, when he hears a thump behind him. Then a girlish scream. Sanity loss.

0601 sunrise just now revealing Bruce, on his butt, kicking his feet outward in a crab-walk scuttle away from something. Bloody pant legs. “I tripped over a body.” Sanity loss as team members come to his rescue and observation. Blood still pulsing from multiple slashes; across mid-body, the legs, and face. What’s left of a face…an eyeball dangling from its socket. Shredded clothing hints it’s female. Nick finds a purse, “Local girl; Cathy Gilbert. Better call 9-1-1.” But no cell reception. Till someone reasons, “Doesn’t the jeep have On-Star?” [OK, GM here. Doesn’t On-Star also work off of cell-service? Anyway…], “What’s your emergency? Police and ambulance on their way.”

15 minutes later, 0615, sirens and lights approach. Sheriff Tracey Evans takes control of the scene; a dry gag reflex spotting the body. Her deputy Bryce Sanders spooling out the yellow tape. Questions and notes. “We saw the brochures and decided to view the cauldron at sunrise. Bruce here stumbled over the body; otherwise, we’d never have seen it/her in this tall grass.” The purse offered up earns a police frown, “What else did you disturb? Did you see anyone or anything else? Where are you staying and working, in case I need to get in contact with you?” Mention of the lighthouse has little effect; at least she’s not anti-project like the townfolk.

Drive back to the inn for Bruce to change. William staying behind, “I’ll work up some estimates and join you later.” Amanda declining, “I want to visit the library once more. Maybe join-up with William and drive out together.” Thus it’s Pat/Bruce/Nick stopping to do some equipment purchases at Ace Hardware before driving out to the lighthouse arriving around 1000. Amanda enters the library to a cold stare [successful POWsave]; her arm hairs rise, a chill climbing up her arm till the sensation stops. Amanda pleading, "Why is it so important for the town to retain control of the lighthouse?" But the only answer, "No talking in the library."

Deserted except for the car belonging to Mick and Clint who spent the night. Nick parking to then walk toward the back fence to peer toward the surf, “Maybe whatever I saw at the Cauldron is swimming out there.” Bruce tagging along as Pat walks toward the lighthouse. And that’s when Nick stumbles…another body near the base of the tower. “Guys…” Sanity loss; the body a crumbled mess. Neck broken, compressed at the waist with a leg bent forward over the chest. Some blood. Nick pushes the body over with his foot to see the face, but more recognition of the clothing to realize it’s Mick who spent the night. Two slash marks across his chest…like those slashes on Cathy. Then Pat calling from the tower, “There’s putrid muck/slime inside.”

“We gotta find Clint.” So a reluctant climb, muck on each step upwards. Holding the railing to avoid slipping. Till at the top, Pat in the lead, “Found him.” More Sanity loss seeing Clint slashed just like Cathy. The sleeping bags also shredded as if they were caught surprised. More muck trail outside on the walkabout ledge stopping at the railing where below, Mick lays. “Is it too soon to call the police again?” Almost 30 minutes before lights and sirens announce their arrival. Followed by an Uber car bringing William and Amanda to the site.

Sheriff Evans NOT happy. And now suspicious of the team. Amanda wanting to ask the significance of the herbs she found earlier. “What does that have to do with my crime scene? Please, let me do my job…just…just go restore something away from my scene.” Her police radio call for the Medical Examiner, “I’ve got 2 more for you. Courtesy of Mr. Reinhart’s team again. More of the unknown muck we’ve found in prior unsolved murders over the years.” And that’s when Sara arrives, “What’s going on?” Gasps and her own phone call from the landline inside, “Hello, Mr. Reinhart…”

Meanwhile Bruce gathering the team, “I tell you, maybe the townfolk are right. With the light inop, something is attacking. Those warding symbols are meant for something and they obviously didn’t deter whatever attacked Clint and Mick last night. And attacked Cathy. To hell with the project, I say we replace the lens.”

Sara returns with her own news, “Mr. Reinhart and I agree we’d best shutdown the project for today for everyone’s safety. In fact, wait for my all-clear call. Maybe a tour of the town to get your minds off such horror.” Nick offers his own take, “Yes, yes, we agree. But we have to stick around to answer more police questions. You can go ahead and leave; we’ll lock up once sheriff Evans no longer needs us.”

Sara’s car is barely over the rise when the team steps into action, telling Tacey how they have to secure the lens back in the tower per orders. “Safekeeping from intruders as we found a cut in the fence.” William [Engineering] secures the straps around the lens hocking them onto the crane hook. Pat [Locksmith and Electrical Repairs] tinkers with the crane key and electrical box getting it started. Nick jumps into the cab [Operate Heavy Machinery], “Watch this baby swing into action.” Pat steps up on the frame to yell inside, “You need spotters at the top.” Earmuffs on, Nick replies, “What?” With Amanda as his outside spotter, William/Pat/Bruce climb the lighthouse stairs.

The lens rises with nary a sway. Up, up, till it’s level with the lighthouse top floor. Where the 3 men swing it inward over the floor collar mount. Pat on hands and knees connecting the wiring before directing the others to settle the lens on the base. Then tighten the nuts. And flip the switch. The alternating green and amber light blinding the surprised workmen. Bruce giddy with success, “We’ve done it!” But the others more wary, “You hope.”

They pile into the Jeep for the return to town. Nick offering, “I say we confront Madeline and tell her all we know. Maybe we’ll get on her good side.” But Amanda and Bruce remain outside the library while the others enter. William striding to the front desk pulling out a model he had been working on all morning. Like a maypole: a center wooden mast topped with a light with 8 wires strung out to the base, each connected to a diode. With the model on her counter, he flips the switch…a humm from the diodes sends electricity to the light which illuminates the room. “Remind you of something? We found your ritual circle and warding glyphs. We now realize why the town wants control of the lighthouse. We replaced the lens.”

Madeline walks past the men to then lock the front door. William now uncomfortable…what is this witch planning to do? Returning to her counter, Madeline only chuckles, “You can only hope you know what goes on. No, you should wish you DON’T know what goes on. Fools. A world calamity threatens all if we don’t right the wrong.” She then pulls a large tome from beneath the counter. Old leather binding; she opens the book to a colorful page. “This is the warding you speak of. We now know our order must perform the ritual at the lighthouse. The earthquake you felt yesterday? We tried to perform the ritual here. I drew the circle on the floor over there and my members stood on their circles and chanted. But we failed; sister Jane collapsing with a heart-attack.”

William walks to the front door and unlocks it, “In that case, we need all our team to hear what you know.” When Amanda reluctantly enters, Madeline smiles, “Ah, the strong one.” Followed by a cowering Bruce, “Ah, the weak one. No worse the wear from my curse.” Bruce offers the journal he found at the lighthouse. Madeline reaches for it but reaches beyond grabbing the back of his wrist. A warm sensation flows from her hand before she removes it. Bruce seeing a glowing symbol on his skin that soon fades. “A Blessing if you may.”

They plot. Madeline pointing out the ritual chant they all must learn in case someone falls. “The circle must not be broken. It will take time…maybe 15 minutes or more.” And that’s when Pat’s phone rings; caller ID = Sara Vegas. Pat lets it go to mail. Soon Bruce’s phone rings…Sara…he answers. “Mr. Porter. I’m glad I caught one of you. I just wanted to let you and your team know, Mr. Reinhart is concerned for everyone’s safety and mental well-being. He’s put the project on indefinite hold and has hired a security team to monitor the site. In fact he and they are at the site now changing the lock and repairing a cut in the fence. You may stay the night in town as I make return flight arrangements for each of you.” Bruce asks, “Security? May I ask who? Securitas? Yes, they are qualified. I’m tell the others. Goodbye.” Bruce turns to face the group, “Shit. Shit, shit, SHIT!”

Nick offers, “Does the museum have local Indian artifacts? We ‘borrow’ the items, plant them around the lighthouse to then discover and proclaim the site a National Reserve. Thus kick Reinhart out.” But Madeline counters, “Too long. Our eminent domain approach failed at 8 months of legal dickering. We have to act now.” A counter-offer, “We’ll check out the site then return to meet you and your order here at 7pm. With luck, maybe we can find a loophole.” Madeline reminding all, “We’ll need at least 15+ minutes of uninterrupted time to perform the ritual.”

But first a stop at the local Walmart to buy 3 shotguns. “Now we can go.” Cresting the rise, they could already see security patrols. Two guards wielding AR15s stand at the gate, “Read the sign. Keep Out.” But Nick protests, “We’re the prior crew come to collect our gear. Ms Vegas knows we were coming.” A smile crosses the guards face, “She does huh? Let’s ask.” He sends the other guard to the house. Soon Sara, an elder man, and two others emerge. Sara walking to the gate, “Your gear? We’ll sent it too you? You need it now? Oh, other local jobs? Be quick about it.”

The gate opens and the guards escort them to the house as Reinhart and the other couple enter the lighthouse. Pat leans into Nick and whispers, “What gear?” Amanda asks Sara, “Who’s the couple?” Sara explains, “More experts Reinhart just hired; Lorna and Nathaniel. They’re Occu…occupational specialists …uuh…explaining how to properly preserve the lighthouse operations.” [B.S. sensors activated!] As Nick and the others are escorted into the house to collect their gear, Bruce hangs back, faking a smoke so he can eavesdrop on the lighthouse group. “The runes are occultist; a warding. Maybe to draw energy from somewhere. Yes, a chance you might be bathed in this energy thus restoring your health.” From the house, “Mr. Porter, are you coming? Are you done smoking your…pencil?” Bruce apologizing, “Old habit I’m trying to break. I thought going thru the motions would help. Sorry. He drops the pencil and grinds it with his shoe.

William steps to the stack of gear and removes his…roll of ducttape. Pat and Nick grab various pieces of equipment trying to drag out the time as they look for any means of entry and deception. Suddenly Nick grabs his chest, “My arm…it’s numb. Pain. Hard to breath. I’m…having…a…heart-attack.” Nick begins gasping for breath, but in his gasp he actually begins to partially repeat the warding chant he'd learned. Testing the waters...Bruce follows the lead, “Quick. Get something to prop up his legs. Pillows? A blanket? You; take off that armor vest and fold it under his legs.” Pause and a look to Sara before he complies. Sara already at the phone, “Send an ambulance.” Pat trying to follow along, “No time. I’ll bring the jeep around and we’ll rush him to town.” While Pat is gone, Nick overhears Lorna whisper to Nat, "Did you hear that man's gasping? Reminded me of a ritual chant. Maybe we should try that when we get the chance."

Bruce and William convince the two guards to lift Nick. Bruce uses the distracting opportunity to grab the armor vest left behind to check inside pockets. [Hard Luck] Yes! A security badge and folded paper…with the new gate lock combo. As the jeep bounces back to town, Bruce offers, “It’s a start. Now what’s the new plan?”
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Lighthouse details and the Fresnel Lens:

The Argand lamp, invented in 1782 by the Swiss scientist, Aimé Argand, revolutionized lighthouse illumination with its steady smokeless flame. The Argand lamp had a sleeve-shaped candle wick-mounted so that air could pass both through the center of the wick and also around the outside of the wick before being drawn into cylindrical chimney. The Argand lamp used whale oil, colza, olive oil or other vegetable oil as fuel which was supplied by a gravity feed from a reservoir mounted above the burner.

John Richardson Wigham was the first to develop a system for gas illumination of lighthouses. He was given a grant by the Dublin Ballast Board in 1865 and he fitted his new gas 'crocus' burner at the Baily Lighthouse in Howth Head,^[no giving an output 4 times more powerful than the equivalent oil lights. 

The use of gas as illuminant became widely available with the invention of the Dalén light by Swedish engineer, Gustaf Dalén. In 1906, Dalén became the chief engineer at the Gas Accumulator Company. Initially Dalén worked with acetylene, an extremely explosive hydrocarbon gas. Dalén invented Agamassan(AGA), a substrate used to absorb the gas allowing safe storage and hence commercial exploitation. Acetylene produced an ultra-bright white-light and immediately superseded the duller-flamed LPG as the fuel of choice in lighthouse illuminations. The AGA lighthouse equipment worked without any type of electric supply and was thus extremely reliable. 

French physicist and engineer Augustin-Jean Fresnel  is credited with the development of the multi-part Fresnel lens for use in lighthouses. His design allowed for the construction of lenses of large aperture and short focal length, without the mass and volume of material that would be required by a lens of conventional design. A Fresnel lens can be made much thinner than a comparable conventional lens, in some cases taking the form of a flat sheet. A Fresnel lens can also capture more oblique light from a light source, thus allowing the light from a lighthouse equipped with one, to be visible over greater distances.