As to the theory at this time, it may be stated that Clerk Maxwell, although the leading electrician of his time, speaks of the storage battery as storing up a quantity of energy in a manner somewhat analogous to the ordinary condenser; hence the use of the word "accumulator" for storage battery.
In 1879, R. L. Metzer did away with the tedious forming process, by mechanically applying the active material. This important discovery was not, however, generally known, until 1881, when Camille Faure obtained important patents concerning the method of shortening the time of formation.
Charles F. Brush, working independently of either Faure or Metzer, arrived at the same result, and the United States courts have decided, after long litigation, that to him belongs the priority of invention in this country.
Figs. 1,047 to 1,050.—Electric Storage Battery Co. plates. Fig. 1,047, "Manchester" positive plate; [fig. 1,048], box negative plate; [fig. 1,049], "Tudor" positive plate; fig 1,050, pasted negative plate.
Ques. To what use is the storage battery sometimes put in electric lighting or power stations?
Ans. To carry the "peak" of the load; that excessive portion of the load which, for instance, in electric lighting stations has to be carried only for two or three hours a day. To carry the entire load at minimum hours. To act as equalizer or reservoir. Also for equipment of annex or substations.