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RAMSDENS MACHINE
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RAMSDENS MACHINE
Jesse Ramsdens improved machine for generating static electricity using glass plates, the original version of which he had invented in 1768. Date: late 18th century
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Media ID 20141283
© Bubblepunk
1768 Apparatus Electrical Electricity Generating Improved Invented Jesse Plates Ramsden Static Version
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print depicts the intricate workings of Ramsden's Machine, an essential contribution to the scientific exploration of static electricity during the late 18th century. English inventor Jesse Ramsden (1735-1800) is credited with improving upon an earlier design for generating static electricity using glass plates, which he had originally invented in 1768. Ramsden's Machine is illustrated here in meticulous detail, revealing a complex network of glass plates, metal rods, and insulating materials. The design builds upon the principles of friction electricity, harnessing the charge that accumulates when different materials are rubbed together. In this case, a crank handle at the bottom right of the apparatus is used to rotate a series of glass plates, which are in contact with a set of metal rods. As the plates are brought into contact with and then separated from the rods, an electric charge is generated and transferred to the rods. The significance of Ramsden's Machine lies in its refinement of the earlier glass plate designs, making the generation of static electricity more consistent and controllable. This improvement paved the way for further research into the properties of electricity and its potential applications in various fields, including physics, chemistry, and even medicine. This print offers a glimpse into the world of 18th-century scientific inquiry, showcasing the intricate and often beautiful machinery that drove the pursuit of knowledge during this period. Ramsden's Machine stands as a testament to the ingenuity and curiosity of its creator, as well as the broader scientific community of the time.
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