Electrostatic friction generator (detail)

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This is a detail of an electrostatic friction generator made in London in 1802 by John Cuthbertson. Cuthbertson made several types of electrostatic generator, of which this was his third. It was efficient, easy to manufacture, and a good demonstration machine. It proved very popular, particularly in Britain, where other makers imitated it.

The detail shows the maker's plate, signed 'Jno. Cuthbertson/LONDON/1802'.

Born in Cumberland in 1743, Cuthbertson moved to London where he served an apprenticeship, married and set up in business as an instrument maker. However, he emigrated to Amsterdam in 1769, returning to London in 1792. He specialised in friction electrical apparatus. He died in 1821.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-740-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1981.57
• Date: 1802
  
• Material: Inscription: Tho Cuthbertson, London 1802
  Electrical machine, disc static
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Electrical machine, disc static
  
• Subject:
• Who: Thomas Cuthbertson (Inscribed on the machine)
  Thomas Cuthbertson, London (Maker)
  
• Where: England, London
  England, London
  
• Event:
• Description: Disc static electrical machine by Thomas Cuthbertson, London, 1802
  
• References:
  • Cuthbertson, J. Practical Electricity and Galvanism. London, 1807. 
  • Hackmann, W. D., Electricity from Glass: the History of the Frictional Electrical Machine 1600-1850. Alphen aan den Rijn, 1978, pp. 162-164. 
  • Hackmann, W.D., John and Jonathan Cuthbertson: the Invention and Development of the Eighteenth Century Plate Electrical Machine, Leyden, 1973, esp. pp 36-38. 
• Translations:
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