Series of notes describing experiments to investigate the nature of electricity, magnetism and thermodynamics, [1834-1855]

Entries

• K/PP107/3/1/1-71 1839-1870

  Series of outline experimental notes on aspects of electricity, including electrical induction of ebonite disks; the relationship between heat and electricity; papers entitled 'experiments with the magneto-motor', or dynamo, with comparison between different armature designs and modified reacting magnet, 1867; correspondence between Charles [Carl] William [Wilhelm] Siemens (1823-1883), electrical engineer and metallurgist, and Charles Wheatstone, on resistance in electromagnetic coils, 1867; extracts from Proceedings of the Literary and Philosophical Society, Manchester, describing the pioneering work of Charles William Siemens and Wheatstone in relation to the development of the dynamo, 1867. Also including occasional items of ephemera relating to the finances of the Wheatstone family and the assignment of rooms at King's College London with extract from letter by Sir Robert Smirke (1790-1867), architect of King's College London, 1839. With diagrams and sketches.

• K/PP107/3/2/72-175 1859-1871

  Notes relating to the development of the dynamo including designs with plane paper models describing armature rotation; list of applications of magneto-electric devices and summary of the basic principles of their operation; lists of proposed experiments involving electromagnets; description by Charles Wheatstone of an experiment into electrical induction outlined by William Robert Grove (1811-1896), natural philosopher, judge and designer of the Grove Cell, in an article published in Philosophical Magazine, 1868; experiments on electrical attraction and repulsion, the differential inductometer and note on the theoretical explanation for induction; description of field experiments involving telegraphic communication, 1859-1871; experiments designed to test conductivity within substances; summaries of some basic observations regarding electrical phenomena including electrical potential, electrical discharge and voltaic batteries.

• K/PP107/3/3/176-313 1834-1875

  Papers principally relating to electrical charge, notably including experiments to measure the charge of various materials including ebonite, ivory and rock crystal, 1872; experiments using electromagnets and specifications of components, with diagrams; description of the use of the double electrometer, magnetic gyroscope and an electromagnetic induction coil or ‘inductorium’ developed by Alfred Apps (1839-1913), optical and scientific instrument maker; notes on experiments described by the mathematician and physicist, Peter Barlow (1776-1862), in An essay on magnetic attraction (London, 1823); summaries and commentaries by Charles Wheatstone of then current explanations for magnetic induction, the distribution of magnetism in magnets and electromotive force, including perceived deficiencies in the electrodynamic theory of André-Marie Ampére (1775-1836), French physicist. 

• K/PP107/3/4/314-439 1834-1875

  Papers relating to magnetism, comprising experimental observations and test results of electromagnets in different configurations; notes on a magnetic flywheel and governor; criticism by Charles Wheatstone of the remarks of Josiah Latimer Clark (1822-1898), electrical engineer, concerning electrical resistance; experiments to test the electrical capacities and insulating capabilities of various substances; conjectures relating to the employment of mercury as a medium for electrical conduction; draft comments intended for lectures or papers presented by Wheatstone including brief observations illustrative of Wheatstone's relationship with his academic peers and his working methods. With sketches, diagrams and tables of data