Let the reader learn first all that can be learned by the aid of this
simple apparatus, then branch out to allied things, making each step
as thorough as possible, and before long he will be congratulating
himself on having gained at least an elementary knowledge of
electricity.
Very little can be done in the way of electrical experiment without an
electrical generator of some sort, and nothing at present known can
excel a battery for this purpose. Although not the most desirable
battery for all purposes, that shown in Fig. 1 is the most desirable
for the amateur who desires a strong current for a short time. It is
formed of two plates, a, of carbon arranged on opposite sides of an
amalgamated plate, b, of zinc, and separated from the zinc by strips
of wood. Bars of wood are placed outside of the carbon plates, and the
four bars are fastened together by two common wood screws, thus
clamping all the bars and the zinc and carbon plates securely in the
position of use.
[Illustration: FIG. 1.--SIMPLE BATTERY.]
Between the zinc plate and the wooden bar adjoining it is inserted a
strip of copper, c, for leading away the current from the zinc pole of
the battery, and between the carbon plates and the wooden bars is
inserted a doubled strip of copper, d, forming a connection between
the two carbon plates, and at the same time serving as a conductor for
conveying away the current from the carbon pole of the battery.
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