William Stanley was an American engineer who invented in 1886 the induction coil, a transformer that creates alternating current electricity. In the 1880s, every electricity distribution system used direct current (DC). But DC transmission over long distances is dangerous, impractical, requires thick wires, and could not be used for lighting. Alternating current (AC) systems did not have these drawbacks, but no practical coil system existed before Stanley’s. Stanley established the Stanley Electric Manufacturing Company in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to make transformers and auxiliary electrical equipment as well as electrical appliances. General Electric purchased the company in 1903.