After the discovery of spectral lines by the German Fraunhofer around 1820, much research into the composition of light took place in the 19th century. This spark generator was also made for that purpose. By connecting the ends to a device that generates a high alternating voltage (an induction coil), an electric arc is generated between the end points. The light of this electric arc has a colour spectrum which is also dependent of the kind of metal of the points. These metal electrodes are interchangeable and so the colour spectrum of various electric arcs can be studied.
Spark generator for studying spectra of various metals
circa 1850 - 1874