This discharger for electrostatic discharges was specially made to pierce a pane of glass or a piece of cardboard of 1 or 2 millimetres by means of a spark. The metal spike, insulated by a glass rod, is pushed close to the pane to be pierced. When the rod is connected to an electrostatic generator, the arrangement is ready to use. A rather high voltage, generated by the electrostatic generator and amplified by a number of connected Leyden jars (capacitors), creates a spark discharge which pierces the piece of cardboard or the pane of glass, leaving a distinct hole.
Perforating discharger
circa 1850 - 1874