Electrostatic friction generator

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

The single glass plate is supported in a mahogany frame, with flat uprights and a cross-piece. The prime conductor consisted of a central brass tube with hemispherical ends. It was attached to a solid glass stem, slid into a brass dovetail socket on one of the uprights. Two curved brass arms were screwed to the sides of the prime conductor, ending in collecting combs (now missing). The plate was rotated by the handle.

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: 000-190-004-741-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. 
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