Credit: © The Royal Society
    Image number: RS.10661
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    Electrical discharge

    Date
    1899
    Creator - Organisation
    Object type
    Library reference
    25386
    Material
    Technique
    Dimensions
    height (print): 380mm
    width (print): 275mm
    Subject
    Description
    Study of patterns produced by electrical discharges on surfaces revealed by dusting with powdered red lead and sulphur. Sometimes termed ‘Lichtenberg figures’.

    These experiments were conducted at Cragside in Northumberland, England, using a Wimshurst machine (electrostatic generator) and two 10-gallon Leiden jars. Current was conveyed to two rod conductors with a spark gap at which coated wires discs or plates were positioned. Lord Armstrong exhibited figures of the type produced at the Royal Society soiree at Burlington House in London on 16 June 1897.

    Plate 6 from Supplement to Lord Armstong’s work on electric movement in air and water...by William George Armstrong and Henry Stroud (London, Smith Elder & Co., 1899).

    The plate is inscribed below: “Plate VI. DISCHARGE BETWEEN BALLS, POSITIVE ABOVE AND NEGATIVE BELOW THE VARNISHED PLATE.”

    William George Armstrong, Baron Armstrong (1810-1900) armaments manufacturer and industrialist was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1846.
    Associated place
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