Cylinder-shaped electrostatic generator for electrotherapy, after Nairne — Teylers Museum

Cylinder-shaped electrostatic generator for electrotherapy, after Nairne

In the middle of the 18th century, the interest in static electricity increased enormously. Soon this technique was also applied in the medical field. ‘Electrotherapy’ promised solutions for various illnesses. This ‘Medico-Electrical machine’ was specially made for this use. The popular apparatus was the first portable electrostatic generator which could generate positive as well as negative charges in a simple way. This was obtained by making the surfaces of the supplying conductor and the receiver of equal size. The strength of the discharges could be controlled by varying the distance between the insulated balls. In 1782, the inventor, Edward Nairne (1726-1806), obtained a patent for this design.

Administration name

Fysisch Kabinet

Title

Cylinder-shaped electrostatic generator for electrotherapy, after Nairne

Translated title

Cylinder-shaped electrostatic generator for electrotherapy, after Nairne

Creator

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Object category

elektriciteit

Reproduction reference

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Order image