Volta’s electrophore, demonstrator of the flow of electrons from inert materials to conducting materials, Italy 1960.

Italy circa 1960.

Volta’s electrophore, demonstrator of the flow of electrons from inert materials to conducting materials. Taking the instrument composed of a disc of conductive metal and a handle of inert material (perfectly quiet, unrelated to reacting with any active participation). Once the inert material has been rubbed, if I place the metal disc on it it will welcome as many electrons as possible, as if absorbing them. If we touch the conductive metal, it will immediately discharge the electrons to ground. The disc still remains an active conductor if placed back on the rubbed inert material. If not ‘discharged’ to the ground, the disk will manifest repulsive forces (due to the electrons) even if removed from the inert material itself, conserving a ‘memory’ of it. Officine Galileo, Italy circa 1960.

6” – 15 CM H 6,75” – 17 CM L 6,75” – 17 CM D

REF: V1660