Geissler tube with glowing inscription: "Jeanne d'Arc"
Date: circa 1865
Inventory Number: DW0204a
Classification: Discharge Tube
Subject:
Maker: French
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
6.6 x 37.5 x 3.5 cm (2 5/8 x 14 3/4 x 1 3/8 in.)
Accessories: base (DW0204b)
Description:
A gas discharge tube consisting of a long horizontal tube with bulbs at both ends, with electrodes them. The side bulbs communicate via a narrow tube that traverses the central chamber, forming the words "Vive Jeanne d'Arc" in script. The central chamber used to contain a liquid (see old photograph) but is now empty and only a dry yellow tint remains.
From Card: "Electric dischage tube with message surrounded with a colored liquid. Round black stand."
From Card: "Electric dischage tube with message surrounded with a colored liquid. Round black stand."
In Collection(s)
Signedglass tube inside sclupted to say: Vive Jeanne d'Arc
FunctionThis tube is filled with a rarefied gas. When a high voltage is applied, an electric arc extends between the electrodes, glowing with a color characteristic of that gas.
This particular tube is for demonstration purposes, and is evidently French.
This particular tube is for demonstration purposes, and is evidently French.
Curatorial RemarksObject broken. This was found in a box with other tubes; the storage dimensions are that of its individual wrapping, while those of the box are: 46.7 (length) x 33.3 (width) x 33.6 (height). The dimensions of the instrument are either conversions from the cards or approximations.
ProvenanceAcquired by David Wheatland in Paris, 1965.