Voltmeter patented by Lord Kelvin of Largs (Sir William Thomson)

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This electrostatic voltmeter measures electrical currents. It was profitably patented by Sir William Thomson, one of the most distinguished scientists of the late 19th century.

The electrostatic voltmeter was designed by Thomson and made by his business partner James White, a scientific instrument maker in Glasgow.

Sir William Thomson, Lord Kelvin, 1824-1907, contributed much to the study of electricity, magnetism and heat. He designed several scientific instruments including the mirror galvanometer and the marine compass.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-000-099-951-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: Innovators and Innovations (multimedia essay)
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1953.74
• Date: 19th century
  
• Material: Inscription: No. 233
  Voltmeter, electrostatic, Kelvin
  
• Dimensions: 17.50" x 9.50" x 2.75"
  
• What: Voltmeter, electrostatic, Kelvin
  
• Subject: 8. ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING, Installation (Departmental Classification)
  22. PHYSICS, Magnetism and Electricity (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: J. White, Glasgow (Electrostatic voltmeter maker)
  Lord Kelvin (William Thomson) (scientist and inventor)
  
• Where: Scotland, Lanarkshire, Glasgow
  
• Event:
• Description: Kelvin electrostatic voltmeter 0 - 12,000 volts by J. White, Glasgow, No. 233
  
• References:
  • Thompson, Silvanus P. The life of William Thomson, Baron Kelvin of Largs. London: Macmillan, 1910
  • Tunbridge, Paul. Lord Kelvin: his influence on electrical measurements and units. London: Peregrinus, 1992
• Translations:
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