Elements of Electricity and Electro-Chemistry

This 1814 work discusses electricity, in nature and in the laboratory, covering a wide range of experiments and possible applications.

George John Singer (Author)

9781108079228, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 5 March 2015

520 pages, 4 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.9 cm, 0.65 kg

The amateur scientist George John Singer (1786–1817) worked in the family business of artificial flower and feather making, but all his spare time was absorbed in the study of electricity and electromagnetism. He invented his own apparatus, including a gold-leaf electrometer, and built a laboratory-cum-lecture room at the back of his house: his public demonstrations were attended by Faraday and Francis Ronalds, and he was also a friend of the pioneering 'electrician' Andrew Crosse. This significant book, published in 1814, demonstrates the breadth of Singer's knowledge of his subject and of other contemporary work in the field. It describes in detail electric phenomena, in nature and in the laboratory, covering a wide range of experiments with and applications of electricity, and discussing the work of Franklin, Volta, Crosse and Dalton, among others. Sadly, Singer's promising scientific career was brought to an early end by tuberculosis: he died aged only thirty-one.

Preface
Introduction
Part I. On Electrical Phenomena: 1. Nature of electrical action, and sources of electrical excitation
2. Of conductors and nonconductors of electricity, and of the electrical apparatus
3. Experiments with the electrical machine
4. On the phenomena of electrical light
5. On the Leyden jar, and the nature of electrical influence
Part II. Of the Mechanical and Chemical Agencies of Electricity: 1. Instruments required for the application of the electric power to the purpose of experiment
2. Mechanical effects of electricity
3. Chemical effects of electricity
Part III. Natural Agencies of Electricity: 1. On the identity of electricity, and the cause of lightning
2. On the phenomena of thunder storms, and the probable sources of atmospherical electricity
3. On some luminous phenomena of the atmosphere
4. Connection of electricity with medicine, and natural history
Part IV. Voltaic electricity: 1. Structure of the voltaic apparatus, and nature of its electrical phenomena
2. Chemical effects of the voltaic apparatus
3. Extensive agency of the voltaic apparatus, as an instrument of analysis
4. Sketch of the state of theoretical knowledge in voltaic electricity
Appendix
Plates.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX]