Wimshurst Influence Machine

Invented by British inventory, James Wimshurst, between 1880-1883. An electrostatic generator that develops high voltage, it as 2 counter rotating discs mounted vertically and 2 bars with brushes that rub against evenly spaced metallic strips mounted on each of the discs.   Static electricity is produced when the discs rotate. This is stored in 2 lyden jars. Two electrodes leading from these lyden jars can be moved and the distance between them varied. Once the charge is great enough, a visible spark will flow from one electrode to the other. By lengthening the distance between these electrodes, the charge will eventually increase and a longer spark will occur. The air space between electrodes allows for varying spark length.Due to electrostatic repulsion, the shorter the airspace between electrodes will create a more frequent but smaller spark. The larger the airspace between them will create a larger, less frequent spark. This particular machine is made of brass and glass over a pain