Hydro-electric Machine

An apparatus for generating high potential difference by the escape of steam through proper nozzles. It consists of a boiler mounted on four gla legs or otherwise insulated. An escape pipe terminates in a series of outlets so shaped as to impede the escape of the steam by forcing it out of the direct course. These jets are lined with hard wood. They are enclosed in or led through a box which is filled with cold water. IMG:8956969607833025625_293F199.jpg: Fig. 199. ARMSTRONG'S HYDRO-ELECTRIC MACHINE. This is to partly condense the steam so as to get it into the vesicular state, which is found e ential to its action. Dry steam produces no excitation. If the boiler is fired and the steam is permitted to escape under the above conditions the vesicles presumably, or the "steam" is found to be electrified. A collecting comb held against the jet becomes charged and charges any connected surface. 294   STANDARD ELECTRICAL DICTIONARY. The boiler in the above case is negatively and the escaping "steam" is positively charged. By changing the material of the linings of the jets, or by adding turpentine the sign of the electricity is reversed. If the water contains acid or salts no electricity is produced. The regular hydro-electric machine is due to Sir William Armstrong. Faraday obtained similar results with moist air currents.