Pistol, Electric

An experimental apparatus for exhibiting the power of electric incandescence or of the electric spark. A tube is mounted with a handle like a pistol. A plug is provided to screw in and out of its side. The plug carries two wires connected on its inner side by a fine platinum wire, or else disconnected but with their ends brought near together to act as terminals for the production of a spark. To use it the tube is filled with a mixture of air and gas, the latter either hydrogen, hydro-carbon or other combustible gas. The tube when full is corked. The wire is heated to incandescence by a current, or a spark is pa ed from a Leyden jar or other source of electrostatic excitation. The mixture, if properly proportioned, explodes and expels the cork violently. IMG:8956969607833025625_416F264.jpg: Fig. 264. ELECTRIC PISTOL.