Accession No

3784

Brief Description

electrostatic machine, by J. Cuthbertson, English, 1812

Origin

England; London

Maker

Cuthbertson, J.

Class

electrical; demonstration

Earliest Date

1812

Latest Date

1812

Inscription Date

Material

wood (mahogany, other); metal (brass, foil); glass; hide (leather)

Dimensions

box length 711mm; breadth 550mm; depth 355mm

Special Collection

Provenance

Purchased during or before 1994.

Inscription

‘J. Cuthbertson
LONDON’

Description Notes

Rectangular mahogany base, two mahogany uprights (one with the brass maker’s plate affixed) and moulded cross-piece enclosing the circular glass plate and carrying a brass horizontal axle, to which the centre of the plate is secured by two brass washers, one cast with the axle, the other screwed to it. Brass crank, with turned mahogany handle secured to axle by knurled screw. Two pairs of leather friction pads in adjustable clamps secured to base and cross-piece by brass screws. The brass primary conductor carried by a glass rod, held by a brass joint and ferrule to one upright, and having two curved arms, each terminating at the plate in a straight collector with three spikes and a wooden sphere. Upright glass rod fixed to base, and carrying a ball and socket joint for a brass discharger. Fitted box with two glass-handled discharging tools, brass rod and ball, and two table clamps fitting into slots in the base. Associated (but not original) glass Leyden jar, foil applied to inside and outside of base and sides, brass rod through turned mahogany lid, chain below for contact with inner foil, discharging ball above.

References

Events