Volta, A less andro

—Born 1745, died 1827. An Italian physicist, celebrated for his discoveries and inventions in electricity. As profe or of physics in Italian universities he devoted himself to electrical experiments, and discoveries of great importance resulted. He proposed a new theory of electricity at variance with the ‘‘animal electricity” doctrine of Galvini, suggesting that electric power resided in metals, and operated when they were in contact. In 1775 he invented the electrophorus, a simple form of condenser. He constructed the first absolute electrometer, and in 1800 developed the famous electric ‘‘pile’’ which bears his name. The following year Napoleon invited him to Paris to show his experiments with the voltaic pile, and a medal was struck in his honor. He lived to see his work carried on to greater accomplishments by Davy, Oersted and Ampère. He is recognized as the discoverer of current electricity, and in his honor the unit of electromotive force has been named the volt.