Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Smallest Electric Battery In the World

1895

In contrast to the very large generators of electricity — batteries and dynamo electric machinery — in such common use today, it may be interesting to note what is perhaps the smallest electric battery ever constructed, and no doubt also the smallest generator of electrical or mechanical energy.

This battery was constructed some years ago by one of the electricians of the Boston Telephone company and consisted of an ordinary glass bead, through which two wires, one of copper and the other of iron, were looped and twisted so as to prevent their coming in contact. The wires acted as the electrodes, and all that was necessary to cause a current to flow was to place a drop of acidulated water in the bead. Certainly such a minute battery furnished but an infinitesimal current, but could be easily used in a delicate telephone — in fact, it is said to have actually been used in signaling to a distance of nearly 200 miles. — Cassier's Magazine.

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