Electrostatic vane, part of electrical demonstration apparatus

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This electrostatic vane is part of an electrical demonstration apparatus (not shown). When placed close to a source of generated static electricity the vane spins around on top of its pillar. It is unsigned.

The vane is made entirely of brass, and because of its shape becomes charged so that the vane spins on its pivot.

Electrical demonstration items of this nature proved popular both as entertainment for the general public, and as educational illustration at schools.

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-732-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1935.122
• Date: Late 19th century
  
• Material: Wooden base and cheeks, brass electrode, glass drum
  Electrostatic machine
  
• Dimensions: 9.00" L x 6.00" D (drum)
  
• What: Electrostatic machine
  
• Subject: 8. ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING, Static (Departmental Classification)
  22. PHYSICS, Magnetism and Electricity (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: England
  
• Event:
• Description: Electrostatic machine of early pattern with wooden base and cheeks, brass electrode with points and glass drum, unsigned, English, late 19th century
  
• References:
  • For a general overview of static electrical apparatus at this time, see G.L'E. Turner, Nineteenth Century Scientific Instruments. London, 1983, esp. ch. 11, 'Electricity', pp 188-94 
• Translations:
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