—Experiments in electricity are always interesting to all however young or old, for of all the powers that have been harnessed by man it is the least tangible and yet the effects produced by it are the most spectacular.
Now there are some very extraordinary effects that you can show with static electricity[128] which do not require apparatus of any kind as you will presently see, but if you will make or buy a ¹⁄₂ inch induction coil[129] you can perform a series of classic experiments that will create a profound and lasting impression on all who see them.
[128] Many experiments with static electricity will be found in The Book of Electricity by the present author and published by D. Appleton and Co.
[129] Complete instructions for making an induction coil will also be found in The Book of Electricity.
Demonstrating Electricity Without Apparatus.
—Did you ever rub a cat in a dark room in the winter and see the sparks fly? Well this is one way to make electricity without apparatus though you need a cat[130] to do it with.
[130] A cat is not apparatus but only a kitten growed up.
The Electrified Papers.
—But you can make a lot of electricity by simply rubbing a newspaper if you know how to rub it and it is perfectly dry.[131]
[131] Winter is the best time to do experiments in static electricity.