Wimshurst Machine
Item
Title
Wimshurst Machine
Rights
Image copyright: University of Canterbury
Type
scientific instruments (<equipment for science and technology>, <equipment by profession or discipline>, ... Furnishings and Equipment (hierarchy name))
Date
ca. 1979
Description
This electrostatic generator, known as a Wimshurst machine, was named after the inventor James Wimshurst. A version of this machine, and a similar machine known as a Voss machine, were used in the Physics Department at Canterbury College while the College was still based at its original site (now The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora) in Christchurch’s central city. Physics was one of the first subjects taught at Canterbury College, when its first professor, A.W. Bickerton, began teaching in 1874.
This distinctive machine was built in-house. The rotating plates were found in storage at the Arts centre by Dr John Campbell, who then organised for the Department workshop to make one according to original plans in 1979. The age of the rotating plates is not yet established.
This distinctive machine was built in-house. The rotating plates were found in storage at the Arts centre by Dr John Campbell, who then organised for the Department workshop to make one according to original plans in 1979. The age of the rotating plates is not yet established.
Format
Wood; Metal
Rights Holder
University of Canterbury
Subject
Scientific apparatus and instruments
Generators
Owner
University of Canterbury
Collection
School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
Source
UC Canterbury College Heritage Collection.
Identified during Canterbury College Survey 2020-2022
Identified during Canterbury College Survey 2020-2022
