| Reference number | AP/23/8 |
| Level | File |
| Title | Paper, 'An account of experiments made with the view of ascertaining the possibility of obtaining a spark before the current of the voltaic battery is completed' by J P [John Peter] Gassiot |
| Date | 25 August 1839 - 19 November 1839 |
| Description | Gassiot describes how a spark invariably appears when the circuit of the voltaic battery is completed; an effect which Dr [Michael] Faraday has shown can be easily produced, even with a single series. He then refers to the experiments of Mr [John George] Children, Sir Humphry Davy, and Professor [John Frederic] Daniell, recorded in the Philosophical Transactions; in which experiments, when more powerful and extended series were used, the spark was obtained before contact took place. Gassiot explains how a micrometer-electrometer can be used to ascertain not only the fact of a spark being obtained, but also the distance through which it may be passed. He describes the micrometer-electrometer and relates several experiments which he made with a view to test its functionality and accuracy.
Followed by a note, dated 19 November 1839, outlining new research he has discovered on the topic of electricity by a Dr Henry. Annotations in pencil throughout.
Subject: Physics / Electricity
Received 11 October 1839. Read 19 December 1839. Communicated by P M [Peter Mark] Roget.
Written by Gassiot at Clapham Common [London].
Published in Philosophical Transactions as 'An account of experiments made with the view of ascertaining the possibility of obtaining a spark before the circuit of the voltaic battery is completed'. |
| Extent | 38p |
| Format | Manuscript |
| Physical description | Ink and graphite pencil on paper |
| Digital images | View item on Science in the Making |
| Access status | Open |
| Related material | DOI: 10.1098/rstl.1840.0010 |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | Name | Dates |
| NA5190 | Gassiot; John Peter (1797 - 1877) | 1797 - 1877 |
| NA6616 | Roget; Peter Mark (1779 - 1869); physician and philologist | 1779 - 1869 |
| NA8218 | Faraday; Michael (1791 - 1867); natural philosopher, scientific adviser, and Sandemanian | 1791 - 1867 |
| NA8195 | Daniell; John Frederic (1790 - 1845); physicist | 1790 - 1845 |
| NA3175 | Children; John George (1777 - 1852); chemist | 1777 - 1852 |
| NA8200 | Davy; Sir; Humphry (1778 - 1829); chemist | 1778 - 1829 |