Chatlock's Gold-Leaf Electroscope by Griffin (early 1900s) |
|
Early box-like gold leaf electroscope (ca. 8" tall) for qualitative demonstrations of electrostatic phenomena. The single leaf, still attached at the bottom of the support rod, is probably aluminum. What appears to be a ribbed cylinder running vertically in the center of the case is the insulator surrounding the support rod. The material is probably ebonite. Two sides are glass and two are metal. In general, an electrophorus would be used to transfer a charge to the horizontal disk (Volta plate) on the top. For an explanation of how an electroscope can be charged and how an electrophorus works, click here. The maker's name is stamped on the top of the metal case: GRIFFIN, LONDON. A small plate on the inside the case, located just below the support rod, reads: Gramme Standard. Since it is my understanding that Griffin had become Griffin & Tatlock sometime between 1910 and the late1920s, it would be a reasonable guess to date this from 1900 - 1920. |
 |
|
|
|