geissler tube with glowing vase and spiral
Date: ca. 1860-1910
Inventory Number: DW0200a
Classification: Discharge Tube
Subject:
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
42.4 x 11 cm (16 11/16 x 4 5/16 in.)
Accessories: has base (DW0200b)
Description:
From Card: Fancy demonstration discharge tube with fluted vase and spiral in center. On weighted wood stand with black enamel."
Long, vertical, with three interconnected bulbs. Needle electrodes at top and bottom. Middle bulb contains glass figures of a vase and a spiral which form an inner tube connecting the top and bottom chambers. Figures have a yellowish tint.
Long, vertical, with three interconnected bulbs. Needle electrodes at top and bottom. Middle bulb contains glass figures of a vase and a spiral which form an inner tube connecting the top and bottom chambers. Figures have a yellowish tint.
Signedon sticker on glass: Arole / 5
FunctionWhen the electrodes are connected to a high voltage source, the glass figures in the central section of this tube glow.
Geissler Tubes and Crookes' tubes existed as a curiosity before an explanation was found for what caused this glow: electrons hitting the walls. They continued to be produced as demonstrational instruments well into the 20th century.
Geissler Tubes and Crookes' tubes existed as a curiosity before an explanation was found for what caused this glow: electrons hitting the walls. They continued to be produced as demonstrational instruments well into the 20th century.
Curatorial RemarksThis 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, May 1966.