Hewitt, Peter Cooper

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Peter Cooper Hewitt (hyōō´Ĭt), 1861–1921, American scientist and inventor, b. New York City; son of Abram S. Hewitt and grandson of Peter Cooper. He invented a mercury-vapor lamp and a mercury arc rectifier. Hewitt also developed a pilotless airplane, intended for military bombing, in 1916 with Elmer Sperry and a helicopter in 1917 with Francis B. Crocker.