Wimshurst Machine (5A50.10)

Description:

A hand cranked generator produces sparks in the hundred kilovolt range; in principle a continuously operating electrophorus (see 5A10.20).

Procedure or Operation Notes:

Turn the handle slowly so the belt doesn't slip. Connect or disconnect the Leyden jars to vary the discharge rate and maximum potential.

Short the discharge terminals together when finished.

References, Comments, or Footnotes:

1) The Wimshurst Generator pictured above was manufactured by Voltana (manual). We also have two larger generators:

a) Chicago Apparatus Company (manual)

b) W. M. Welch Scientific Company No. 1920 Wimshurst Machine (instructions).