Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
58.39 |
Object Name |
Machine, Electrical |
Title |
Electric Machine |
Artist |
Unknown |
Date |
1775-1800 |
Description |
Circular glass plate on spindle turning through four leather-covered pads to generate static electricity. Two of the pads marked "Haut" and "Bas." Standing on extended wooden platform. Conductors and other attachments are missing. |
Label |
Machines that produced electricity became popular in the 18th century, as scientists and scholars such as Benjamin Franklin experimented with electrical energy. These machines were first made with glass cylinders and glass discs, which were rotated to produce friction. Well-known English inventor Jesse Ramsden developed this glass-plate style of electrical machine in the mid-18th century. The friction of the mounted glass spinning against the pairs of pads produced electricity, which was then collected by conductors (missing from this machine). This particular example, with its French notations for "high" and "low," was likely manufactured in France, and is possibly the machine that M. Noel gave to the APS in 1785. This machine was traditionally associated with Benjamin Franklin, and it is possible that Franklin owned it, as he did buy electrical apparatus in Europe. Such machines were often used to charge Leyden jars, such as the set in the APS collection also associated with Franklin (58.36). |
Dimensions |
H-24 W-18 L-19 inches |
Dimension Details |
Incl. fold-down wooden piece |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
18th century eighteenth century electricity scientific instrument |