variable high tension coil
Date1880
Inventory Number0498
ClassificationInduction Coil
Subject
Maker
A. P. Gage and Son
ca. 1880 - 1910
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Place of Use
Dimensions22 × 34.5 × 14 cm (8 11/16 × 13 9/16 × 5 1/2 in.)
Material
DescriptionFrom Instrument Card: "A multi layer coil mounted vertically with a smaller coil, of a few turns of heavy wire, inserted in the center of the large one. Wood base and wood ends of coils contain building posts. Also mounted on the base is an electro magnetic vibrator."
SignedEngraved on wood base A.P. GAGE / BOSTON, MASS.
FunctionFor the demonstration of and experimentation with high voltages and the sparks they produce. This device includes a vibrator which intermittently opens and closes the circuit for the continuous supply of very high voltages and sparks. Frequently used to power discharge tubes.
ProvenanceFrom the Physics Department, Harvard University. Jefferson Laboratory, Oct. '58.
Historical AttributesThe painted triangle indicates that this instrument was used for teaching at Harvard University. Physics 3 course in the 1920s.
