Cavallo's multiplier

Cavallo's multiplier, from an 1890 illustration.[1] From left to right, the metal disks are the insulated charge receiver A, the insulated charge transferrer B, the insulated charge accumulator C, and the earthed disk D. An earthing pin E makes contact with a wire F connected to B.

Cavallo's multiplier was an early electrostatic influence machine, invented in 1795 by the Anglo-Italian natural philosopher Tiberius Cavallo.[1] Its purpose was to multiply, or amplify, a small electric charge to a level where it was detectable by the insensitive electroscopes of the day. Repeated operation of the device could produce voltages high enough to generate sparks.

  1. ^ a b Gray, John (1890). Electrical Influence Machines. Whittaker. pp. 80–81. Archived from the original on 2008-08-07. Retrieved 2008-10-31.