voltic pile with ceramic posts
Inventory Number2012-1-0015
ClassificationVoltaic Pile
Subject
Maker
Robert W. Paul Instrument Company
1891 - 1919
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Place of Use
Dimensions23 × 10.5 × 8.8 cm (9 1/16 × 4 1/8 × 3 7/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionMetal rectangular frame with four porcelain posts, square cloth pieces stacked at center.
The resistance material is of cloth, carbonized at high temperature, and is very resilient. A pile of cloth squares is mounted in a rigid frame and insulated from it; a substantial screw is provided for varying the pressure, and the resistance can thus be regulated through a long range. The corners of the squares of cloth are guided and protected by the porcelain corner-pieces.
Square base, thin strap of metal with binding post at the end.
The resistance material is of cloth, carbonized at high temperature, and is very resilient. A pile of cloth squares is mounted in a rigid frame and insulated from it; a substantial screw is provided for varying the pressure, and the resistance can thus be regulated through a long range. The corners of the squares of cloth are guided and protected by the porcelain corner-pieces.
Square base, thin strap of metal with binding post at the end.
Signedetched into top of frame: Robt. W. Paul, London, N.
FunctionThis rheostat is for the gradual and continuous adjustment of small currents. The resistance material is of cloth, carbonized at high temperature, and is very resilient. A pile of cloth squares are mounted in a rigid frame and insulated from it. A substantial screw is provided for varying pressure, and the resistance can thus be regulated through a long range.
Paul instrument Catalog pg. 156
Paul instrument Catalog pg. 156
John E. Fuller
Date: 1847
Accessories: cardboard envelope with fabric tie (from Harvard University Libraries); two additional Palmer's scales, see 5464 and 5465
Object number: 5466
Wilhelm Apel
Date: 1890-1900
Accessories: induction coil (0392c)
Object number: 0392a
Wilhelm Apel
Date: 1890-1900
Accessories: induction coil (0392c)
Object number: 0392b
Benjamin Martin
Date: circa 1766
Accessories: rope cord belt
glass globe
conducting pad
in folder: photographs, page containing description, history, and discussion of design, note from Ebenezer Gay regarding conservation work, excerpt from David Pingree Wheatland and I. Bernard Cohen, A Catalogue of Some Early Scientific Instruments at Harvard University (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University, 1949), woodcut with picture of instrument from B. Martin, Young Gentleman and Lady's Philosophy (1759): 139.
X-ray images of parts of the machine can be found in C1-A7.
Object number: 0013
Robert W. Paul Instrument Company
Object number: 2012-1-0013