000-190-004-195-C
© National Museums Scotland |
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Globe Electrical Machine
This globe electrical machine (pictured here in its wooden travelling case) was used to generate electrostatic friction. It was made around 1790 by John King, a scientific instrument maker based in Aberdeen. Machines of this sort were used by travelling teachers and scientific lecturers.
The machine is clamped to a table-edge and the handle is turned, rotating the glass globe against the leather pad and building up a static electrical charge.
John King served an apprenticeship as a watchmaker before becoming assistant and technician to Patrick Copland (1748-1822), professor of natural philosophy at Marischal College at the University of Aberdeen.
Record details
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| Online ID: |
000-190-004-195-C |
| Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
| Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
| Ref: |
National Museums Scotland T.1992.40 |
| Date: |
1780s
Around 1790
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| Material: |
Inscription: John King [signature]
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| Dimensions: |
600 mm H x 540 mm x 300 mm
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| What: |
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| Subject: |
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| Who: |
John King, Aberdeen (Maker)
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| Where: |
Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen
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| Event: |
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| Description: |
Globe electrical machine signed by John King, Aberdeen, 1780s
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| References: |
- Bryden, D.J. Scottish Scientific Instrument Makers 1660-1900. Edinburgh, 1972. p 10
- Clarke, T.N., Morrison-Low, A.D. & Simpson, A.D.C. Brass & glass scientific instrument making workshops in Scotland as illustrated by instruments from the Arthur Frank Collection at the Royal Museum of Scotland. Edinburgh: NMS, 1989. pp 152-3
- For other globe electrical machines, see W.D. Hackmann, 'Electricity from Glass' (Alphen aan den Rijn, The Netherlands, 1978) pp 120-1
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