A LARGE ENGLISH RAMSDEN-TYPE GLASS FRICTION PLATE ELECTROSTATIC GENERATORUNSIGNED, EARLY 19th CENTURYConstructed with 35 inch diameter circular glass plate pivoted in the centre between friction pads positioned at the top and base within mahogany frame surmounted with a small brass discharge sphere to the moulded top panel and with crank drive handle to one side, on rectangular platform base; with a brass U-shaped collector incorporating needle pick and brass insulted horizontal support shaft terminating with a discharge sphere.89cm (35ins) wide, 104cm (41ins)high, 43cm (17ins) deep.Jesse Ramsden developed this type of glass friction plate electrostatic generator in around 1768. Such apparat became increasingly popular with those interested in the natural sciences throughout the late 18th and early 19th centuries and were ed with accessories such as scintillating tubes resulting in electric demonstration also bing a form of entertainment.