The invention of the Leyden jar is a new page in the annals of electricity

After the division of the bodies into conductors and nonconductors was established, and experiments with electrostatic machines became very widespread, it was quite natural to attempt to "store" electric charges in a glass vessel that could store them. Among the many physicists engaged in such experiments, the most famous was the Dutch professor from Leiden Musschenbroek (Moushenbreck) (1692-1761).

Knowing that the glass does not conduct electricity, he (in 1745) took a glass jar filled with water, lowered into it a copper wire hanging on the conductor of an electric machine, and taking the jar in his right hand asked his assistant to rotate the ball cars. At the same time, he correctly assumed that charges coming from the conductor will accumulate in a glass jar.

After, in his opinion, the bank has accumulated a sufficient number of charges, he decided to unplug the copper wire with his left hand. At the same time, he felt a strong blow, he thought that "the end has come." In a letter to Reaumur in Paris (in 1746), he wrote that "I advise you not to repeat this new and terrible experience" and that "even for the crown of France, he will not agree to undergo such a terrible shock."

So the Leiden bank (named after Leiden) was invented, and soon the first simplest condenser, one of the most widespread electrical devices.

Mussenbrook's experience produced a genuine sensation not only among physicists, but also many fans who were interested in electrical experiments.

Regardless of Musschenbrook in the same 1745, the German scientist E.G. Kleist. Experiments with the Leiden bank began to produce physics of different countries, and in 1746-1747. The first theories of the Leiden bank were developed by the famous American scientist B. Franklin and the curator of the physical cabinet, the Englishman W. Watson. It is interesting to note that Watson sought to determine the speed of distribution of electricity, "forcing" him to "run" 12,000 feet.

One of the most important consequences of the invention of the Leyden jar was the establishment of the effect of electrical discharges on the human body, which led to the emergence of electromedicine. This was the first relatively widely used practice of electricity, which played a major role in deepening the study of electrical phenomena.

The experience of Musschenbroeck was repeated in the presence of the French king by Abbot Nollet. He formed a chain of 180 guardsmen holding hands, the first holding the jar in his hand, and the latter was touching the wire, drawing a spark. "The impact was felt by all at once; It was curious to see a variety of gestures and to hear an instant scream of dozens of people. " From this chain of soldiers and the term "electric chain" has occurred.

Gradually the design of the Leyden jar was improved: the water was replaced with shot, and then the outer surface was covered with thin lead plates; Later, the inner and outer surfaces were covered with tin foil, and the bank acquired a modern look.

When conducting research with the bank, it was established (in 1746 by an Englishman B. Wilson) that the amount of electricity collected in the bank is proportional to the size of the plates and inversely proportional to the thickness of the insulating stand. In the 70's. XVIII century. Metal plates began to be separated not by glass, but by an air gap - so, the simplest condenser appeared.

Veselovsky O. N. Shneberg A. Ya "Essays on the history of electrical engineering"