Hauksbee the Elder, Francis
Published: January 26, 2009, 2:09 am
Updated: January 26, 2009, 2:09 am
This article has been reviewed by the following Topic Editor:
Peter Saundry
Hauksbee's 'Influence Machine'
Francis Hauksbee the Elder (c. 1666-1713), an English physicist who produced some of the most important early conceptual and experimental work on electricity. In 1706, he demonstrated the first static electric or frictional electric machine, a mercury-filled glass globe mounted on an axle. He called it the 'Influence Machine', and it worked by cranking a large drive wheel that spun a glass vacuum globe to create a mysterious “luminosity.” It crackled like lightning when touched and attracted metal flakes, threads, etc. This and other work by Hauksbee are thought to be the first sustained experimentations with electricity.
Further Reading
History of Electricity (ThinkQuest Library)
Are you absolutely sure you want to delete this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Yes, Delete This Article
Are you absolutely sure you want to remove this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Yes, Remove This Article
Citation
Cutler J. Cleveland (Lead Author);Peter Saundry (Topic Editor) "Hauksbee the Elder, Francis". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth January 26, 2009; Last revised Date January 26, 2009; Retrieved May 21, 2013 <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Hauksbee_the_Elder,_Francis>
The Author
Cutler J. Cleveland is Professor of Earth and Environment at Boston University, where he also is on the faculty of the Center for Energy and Environmental Studies. Professor Cleveland is Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Energy (Elsevier, 2004), winner of an American Library Association award, the Dictionary of Energy (Elsevier, 2005), Handbook of Energy (Elsevier, forthcoming), and is the Founding Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Earth. He is the recipient of the Adelma ... (Full Bio)
Hauksbee's 'Influence Machine'
Francis Hauksbee the Elder (c. 1666-1713), an English physicist who produced some of the most important early conceptual and experimental work on electricity. In 1706, he demonstrated the first static electric or frictional electric machine, a mercury-filled glass globe mounted on an axle. He called it the 'Influence Machine', and it worked by cranking a large drive wheel that spun a glass vacuum globe to create a mysterious “luminosity.” It crackled like lightning when touched and attracted metal flakes, threads, etc. This and other work by Hauksbee are thought to be the first sustained experimentations with electricity.
Further Reading
History of Electricity (ThinkQuest Library)
Are you absolutely sure you want to delete this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Yes, Delete This Article
Are you absolutely sure you want to remove this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Yes, Remove This Article
Site Options
0 Comments
Add Comment