Electrostatics Collection

Electrostatic generator by Wilhelm Holtz, wood engraving, published in 1880
Electrostatic generator by Wilhelm Holtz (German physicist and invator, 1836 - 1913). An electrostatic generator, or electrostatic machine, a mechanical device that produces static electricity

Gold leaf electroscope (1787) by Bennet, wood engraving, published 1880
Gold leaf electroscope, invanted by Abraham Bennet (English clergyman and physicist, 1749 - 1799) in 1787. This is an instrument for detecting and measuring static electricity or voltage

Simeon - Denis Poisson (1781 - 1840) French mathematician. Worked on electrostatics, planetary orbits, magnetism and gravitational attraction

Picking up pieces of paper with electrically charged plastic ruler

Hand picking up papermen with electrically charged balloon

Replica of Wimshurst machine, a generator invented by James Wimshurst, 1880s

Hand picking up feathers with electrically charged piece of amber

Holtz machine, steroegraphic images C014 / 0530
Holtz machine. Steroegraphic images showing a Holtz electrostatic influence machine emitting sparks (top). This device was an electrostatic induction generator that converted mechanical work into

Faraday on magnetism, 1854
Faraday on magnetism. Page from the notebooks of British physicist Michael Faraday (1791-1867), showing notes and a diagram of an experiment with a rotating globe being spun in a magnetic field

19th Century electrostatic drum machine. Electrostatics is the branch of physics that deals with the phenomena and properties of stationary or slow-moving (without acceleration) electric charges

Faraday on electrostatic induction, 1836
Faraday on electrostatic induction. Page from the notebooks of British physicist Michael Faraday (1791-1867), showing notes and a diagram on electrostatic induction

Three electrolytic capacitors with capacitance values of 2200 microfarads, 1000 microfarads and 470 microfarads. The arrows on the canisters are pointing to the capacitors negative ends

Assorted capacitors. A capacitor is similar to a battery in that it is designed to store and release electrons. It has two terminals (electrodes)

Dismantled capacitor. This is a device designed to store and release electric charge. The charge is stored in a rolled up cylinder of material seen at centre (brown)

Capacitor. This device is designed to store and release electric charge. It can release its charge faster than a battery, but unlike a battery it cannot produce electricity but can only store it

Static electricity. Strips of paper that have been electrically charged by a Van de Graaff generator, a device that generates static electricity

Van de Graaff generator with an electrical spark (centre) crossing from the generators sphere (left) to a nearby metal object (right)

Guericke experimenting with electricity
Otto von Guericke (1602-1686), German physicist, operating the first static electricity generator. His generator consisted of a large ball of sulphur (yellow)

Electroscope experiment, 19th century
Electroscope experiment. This simple version of an electroscope, designed to detect electric charge, is described as a glass flask with a stopper containing a metal rod

Artificial lightning, early 20th century
Artificial lightning, early 20th-century artwork. This example of an artificial lightning discharge has been produced as part of electrical experiments on high-voltage alternating current

Electric field experiment
Electric fields apparatus, set up to demonstrate a linear field. The apparatus produces an electric field between the two plates at right and left

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Electrostatics, a branch of physics that explores the fascinating world of electric charges and their behavior. This captivating field has been shaped by brilliant minds throughout history, such as Simeon-Denis Poisson, who made significant contributions to its development. In 1880, Wilhelm Holtz introduced an ingenious invention - the electrostatic generator. Illustrated in a wood engraving from that era, this device revolutionized the study of electricity and opened new doors for scientific exploration. Another remarkable creation was Bennet's gold leaf electroscope in 1787. Depicted in an enchanting wood engraving published in 1880, this instrument allowed scientists to detect and measure electric charges with incredible precision. The power is demonstrated through simple yet mesmerizing experiments. Imagine using an electrically charged plastic ruler to effortlessly pick up pieces of paper or witnessing a hand gracefully lifting papermen with an electrified balloon. These captivating demonstrations showcase the invisible forces at play. James Wimshurst's replica machine from the 1880s further exemplifies mankind's ingenuity when it comes to harnessing static electricity. The Wimshurst machine stands as a testament to human curiosity and our relentless pursuit of knowledge. Even everyday objects can become instruments for exploring electrostatics' wonders. A feather delicately lifted by an electrically charged piece of amber demonstrates how even nature itself can be harnessed for scientific discovery. The Holtz machine, depicted through steroegraphic images C014/0530, represents another milestone in electrostatics research during the late 19th century. Its intricate design allowed researchers to delve deeper into understanding electrical phenomena. Not limited solely to static charges, Faraday also made significant contributions regarding magnetism and its relationship with electricity in his work from 1854. His insights paved the way for future breakthroughs within both fields. An intriguing artifact from history is the 19th-century electrostatic drum machine.