Hydro-electric generator, after Armstrong

Steam for the generation of static electricity? That is not possible, is it? Indeed, most electrostatic experiments require a very dry atmosphere. Yet these hydro-electric generators were considered to be the most powerful electrostatic machines of that time. The invention, in 1842, was the result of an accident with a steam machine, which was witnessed by the inventor of this generator, William Armstrong (1810-1900). A machinist was busy repairing a leakage. During reparation, sparks sprang from the separate steam tube to a metal lever, which inspired Armstrong to make this generator. By insulating the arrangement on glass tubes and by blowing steam to an insulated conductor, the apparatus could effectively generate static electricity. But many experiments could not be carried out, because the room was filled with steam.