Leyden jar
Date: 1800-1850
Inventory Number: DW0023
Classification: Leyden Jar
Subject:
Maker: French ?
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
37 x 13 cm (14 9/16 x 5 1/8 in.)
Description:
A tall glass jar with a wide mouth, with most of its outer and inner surfaces covered in a thin metal foil, most probably lead. The fraction of the jar left uncovered has been painted in red. The jar has a cork stopper with a brass rod attached that ends in a small brass rod, and which enters the jar to touch the metal foil inside.
Signedunsigned
FunctionLeyden jars were the earliest form of capacitor but were still common until the early twentieth century. The jar accumulates electric charge when the metal foil outside is at a voltage different to the one of the brass rod and the foil inside of the jar that is being touched by it.