Rhumkorff induction coil
Datecirca 1900
Inventory Number1997-1-0642
ClassificationInduction Coil
Subject
Maker
H.W. Cox and Company, Ltd.
fl. 1910
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions41.5 x 75.5 x 34.5 cm (16 5/16 x 29 3/4 x 13 9/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionLarge primary and secondary coils mounted on wood base. Has two brass arms on the top where sparks would occur and two brass binding posts on one side. On the other side two brass switches, most likely circuit breakers.
Signedon brass plate: H. W. COX & CO LTD / LONDON [and right beside] PATENT NO 16926
Inscribedengraved on wood base: 7 AMPERES. / 16. VOLTS.
painted on one side of the wood base: E.M.
Curatorial Remarkspat 16926 from Jeff. Prep 1/14/67
FunctionSuch an apparatus is designed to produced high-tension electric sparks.
This sort of coil is often called a Ruhmkorff coil, after the Parisan apparatus manufacturer Heinrich Daniel Ruhmkorff (1803-1877). Although he did not invent the induction coil, his name is often associated with it (particularly in Europe) because he successfully put together all of the elements of the coil, including the use of the condenser connected across the primary to moderate the back EMF of the collapsing magnetic field of the secondary.
This information is taken verbatim from the following website.
This sort of coil is often called a Ruhmkorff coil, after the Parisan apparatus manufacturer Heinrich Daniel Ruhmkorff (1803-1877). Although he did not invent the induction coil, his name is often associated with it (particularly in Europe) because he successfully put together all of the elements of the coil, including the use of the condenser connected across the primary to moderate the back EMF of the collapsing magnetic field of the secondary.
This information is taken verbatim from the following website.
Thomas Burton Kinraide
Date: circa 1900
Accessories: condensers (VT4811b)
Object number: VT4811a
Daniel Davis, Jr.
Date: 1848-1855
Object number: 0120
Daniel Davis, Jr.
Date: circa 1848
Accessories: battery (0566b); pair of shock handles (0566c,d)
Object number: 0566a