The Electrophorus

An instrument, invented by
Alessandro Volta, for obtaining electricity
by means of induction. A tin
mold, A (refer to diagram), kept in
connection with the ground, is filled with
shellac or resin, and has a movable
metal cover, C, with a glass handle, D.
When the surface of the shellac or resin
is rubbed with fur this produces a
negative charge on the resin. When the
cover is brought near the lower part of the apparatus, it is charged positively
on its under surface, negatively on its upper. If then it is touched, the negative
charge escapes and the cover becomes positively charged; and if removed
and applied to any conductor, it will give a positive charge to it. This may be
repeated often but with a slight reduction of B's charge. The earth connection
may be made by a metallic pin passing through B to A, or by a piece of
tinfoil, e, pasted from the edge of A over on to B.