M. Trouvé also invented what are termed electric jewels, in which glass jewels cut into facets are illuminated by a small electric light placed back of them. The jewels really consist of small lenses whose foci have been accurately determined. The luminous source itself always occupies an invariable position, that is to say in the center of the sphere, which is studded with the glass jewels. The lamp is connected with a small battery through the medium of a flexible conducting cord which is concealed under the garments. The battery is put into the pocket or attached to some part of the dress. Our engraving shows a number of these electric jewels which are used not only for theatrical purposes, but for a novelty in dress.
The jewels are very effective when attached to a ballet costume, and we give on page 341 an [illustration] of a danseuse as she appears when adorned with this glowing electric jewelry.
FIG. 2.—EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL VIEWS
OF THE TORCH.
Another interesting effect which is produced with the aid of a small electric battery carried upon the person, is used in the duel scene in “Faust,” and is also due to M. Trouvé. It is rather simpler than the [device] which we will show for producing sparks from the sword in the duel. The two swords and the two cuirasses are extremities of the poles of a bichromate battery carried by the combatants. When the two swords come in contact they cause bright sparks to flash, and when one of the swords touches the cuirass of the adversary, a fifteen candle-power lamp is lighted, and remains lighted during the contact of the point of the sword with the cuirass; the lamp is, of course, in front of the cuirass. In furious sword play the two swords touch reciprocally the two opposite cuirasses; both lamps are simultaneously illuminated and give a considerable light around the combatants. This apparatus is not only useful in the theater, but has been tried in the fencing gallery during an assault; the apparatus shows the location of the blows without the possibility of contesting it.
FIG. 3.—TROUVÉ’S ELECTRIC JEWELS.