There are a great many interesting experiments that may be performed with static or frictional electricity, and these may be looked up in the text-books on electricity used in school. A word of caution will not be misplaced. Remember that the current, in large volume, is dangerous. For example, a series of charged Leyden-jars may contain enough electricity to give a very severe shock to the nervous system of the person who chances to discharge it. Its medical use should be under the advice and supervision of a physician.
Chapter XIV
FORMULÆ
In the construction of electrical apparatus there are many things, such as paint, cement, non-conducting compounds, and acid-proof substances, that are necessary in assembling the parts which make up complete working outfits. Accurate formulas and directions for these things will save the amateur trouble and expense, since they indicate the materials which have been put to the test of time and wear by others who have had abundant experience along these lines.
The amateur will not need a large number of compounds, but such as are necessary should be of the best. Those which are described in this chapter can be relied upon to give working results.
Acid-proof Cements
One of the best acid-proof cements is made by adding shellac, dissolved in grain alcohol, to red-lead until it is at the right consistency. It can be used in liquid form or in a putty-like paste. The consistency is governed by the amount of shellac added to the red-lead. The lead should be pulverized and free from lumps. This cement can be mixed in a small tin cup or on a piece of glass, with a knife having a thin blade.
It should be used as soon as it is mixed, since it “sets” as quickly as shellac, and then dries from the outside towards the middle. In a week or two it will become dry and hard like stone.
Another cement, which will also dry as hard as a stone and will hold soapstone slabs together as if they were of one solid piece, is made of litharge (yellow lead) and glycerine. The glycerine is added to the pulverized litharge to make a paste, or it can be mixed and kneaded like thin putty. It should be used very soon after mixing, as it sets rapidly.