Van Marum's Maatflesch (measuring flask), after Thomas Lane — Teylers Museum

Van Marum's Maatflesch (measuring flask), after Thomas Lane

This electrometer, devised by the Englishman Thomas Lane, is one of the earliest attempts to make frictional electricity measurable. The apparatus consists of a Leyden jar (the oldest type of capacitor) and a discharger with a micrometer. Martinus van Marum, the first director of Teylers Museum, used this instrument to compare the strength of different electrostatic generators. After the Leyden jar was charged by one of the electrostatic generators, he observed how large a distance the electric charge could bridge. The larger the distance between the sphere of the Leyden jar and the sphere of the electrometer, the more powerful the electrostatic generator. See also 553 (Instruments Room, cabinet III).

Administration name

Fysisch Kabinet

Title

Van Marum's Maatflesch (measuring flask), after Thomas Lane

Translated title

Van Marum's Maatflesch (measuring flask), after Thomas Lane

Creator

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Object category

elektriciteit

Object number

FK 0554

Reproduction reference

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