48-cell battery
Date: circa 1900
Inventory Number: 1997-1-0459
Classification: Battery
Subject:
Maker: American
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
14.5 x 68 x 21 cm (5 11/16 x 26 3/4 x 8 1/4 in.)
Description:
A set of 48 battery cells, each composed of two large metallic electrodes inside a glass jar that would originally contain an electrolyte. Some of the cells are connected with each other and they all rest on a wooden drawer. Most electrodes are very corroded.
Signedunsigned
FunctionEach cell produces a voltage due to the tendency of different metal ions from the electrodes to dissolve in the electrolyte at different rates. The process is reversible by applying an external voltage and hence a battery cell is "rechargeable". When cells are connected in series, the voltage adds up.
ProvenanceSee plaque: "This Battery was Donated by Mr. George W. Blackwell in 1914"