discharge tube
Date: 1910-1930
Inventory Number: VT5156
Classification: Discharge Tube
Subject:
Maker: American
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
24.1 x 12.7 cm (9 1/2 x 5 in.)
Description:
A spherical glass vessel with four short side tubes each containing an electrode. Three of the electrodes are pointed, and one is a flat disc. Out of one of the side tubes with a pointed electrode another long side tube branches out and is inserted into a turned wooden stand that keeps the bulb upright.
Signedunsigned
FunctionThis is probably a demonstrational model as in its present state this tube has no opening to change its contents. Depending on the gas inside, it might produce colored light arcs in different directions depending on which electrodes are made positive and which negative.
ProvenanceFrom the Department of Physics, Harvard University.