subject: The Invention of The Leyden Jar [print this page] Once it was established the division of bodies on the conductors and dielectric, and experiments with electrostatic machines have received the widest distribution, quite naturally was an attempt to "save" the electric charges in a kind of glass vessel, which could save them. Among the many physicists, taking up such experiments, the best known example of a Dutch professor at Leiden Mushenbruk (Mushenbrek) (1692-1761 years)..
Knowing that the glass does not conduct electricity, he (in 1745) took a glass jar (flask) filled with water, immerse the copper wire, hanging on the jig of the electric machine, and took the bank in his right hand, asked his assistant to turn the ball machine. However, he correctly assumed that the charges coming from the conductor, will be accumulated in a glass jar.
The invention of the Leyden jar - a new page in the annals of electricity
Once in his opinion, the bank has accumulated a sufficient number of charges, he decided to remove the left hand copper wire. At the same time he felt a strong blow, he felt that "came to an end." In a letter to Reaumur in Paris (in 1746) he wrote that this "new and terrible experience of the Council itself can not be repeated" and that "even for the crown of France, he will not agree to undergo such a terrible Shock."
The invention of the Leyden jar - a new page in the annals elektrichestvaTak was invented Leyden jar (on behalf of the city of Leiden), and soon the first elementary capacitor, one of the common electrical devices.
Experience Mushenbruka made a genuine sensation not only among physicists, but many fans took an interest in electrical experiments.
Regardless of Mushenbruka in the same 1745 to the creation of the Leyden jar, and came to the German scholar EG Kleist. The experiments with the Leyden jar started to produce physics of different countries, and in the years 1746-1747. The first theory of the Leyden jar have developed a famous American scientist Benjamin Franklin and the keeper of the physical cabinet Englishman W. Watson. Interesting to note that Watson sought to determine the velocity of electricity, "forcing" him "run" 12,000 feet.
One of the major consequences of the invention of the Leyden jar was the establishment of the influence of electric discharges in the human body, which led to the birth electromedicine this was the first relatively broad practical application of electricity, which played an important role in deepening the study of electrical phenomena.
Experience Mushenbruka was repeated in the presence of the French king Abbe Nollet. He formed a chain of 180 guardsmen holding hands, the first bank was holding in his hand, and the last touch to the wire, removing the spark. "The blow felt by all at one time and it was curious to see the variety of gestures and hear an instant cry of dozens of people." From this chain of soldiers and there was the term "circuit".
Gradually the design Leyden jar was improved: the water was replaced by a fraction, then the outer surface covered with a thin lead plates and later the internal and external surfaces were covered tin foil, and the bank has acquired a modern look.
When conducting research with a jar was found (in 1746 an Englishman B. Wilson) that the quantity of electricity collected in the bank, in proportion to the size of facings and inversely proportional to the thickness of the insulating standing. In the 70's. XVIII century. metal plates were not separated glass and air space - so, there was a simple capacitor.
