Leyden jar
Date19th Century
Inventory Number1997-1-0483
ClassificationLeyden Jar
Subject
Maker
American
?
Cultural Region
Dimensions28 × 4.5 × 4.5 cm (11 × 1 3/4 × 1 3/4 in.)
Material
DescriptionA long, thin Leyden jar consisting of a cylindrical glass tuve closed at the bottom. Its bottom 1/4th is covered with dark metal sheet (probably lead sheet). It is closed by a wooden lid, the center of which is crossed by a metal rod.
Signedunsigned
Curatorial RemarksThe glass is covered with some substance.
Very similar to 1997-1-0483. This one is in better condition.
FunctionLeyden jars were the earliest form of capacitor but were still common until the early twentieth century. The jar accumulates electric charge when the metal foil outside is at a voltage different to the one of the metal rod and the foil inside of the jar, which would be in contact with the rod (either directly or with a chain).
Wireless Specialty Apparatus Company
Date: circa 1908-1909
Object number: 2008-1-0117
