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Publications, Illustrations

Edison's Electric Pen

  • Part of Wonders of electricity and the elements, being a popular account of modern electrical and magnetic discoveries, magnetism and electric machines, the electric telegraph and the electric light, and the metal bases, salt, and acids
  • 1870 – 1900

Rights

No Copyright Public Domain

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Black and white illustration depicting the electric pen, an invention of Thomas Edison (1847-1931). Powered by an electric motor, the pen was created as a means to duplicate documents. It operates by using a perforating function to create a stencil from which numerous prints can be produced. The illustration is included in the accompanying text to depict an application of electromagnetism.

This plate is from the publication, Wonders of Electricity and the Elements, an educational volume covering a variety of topics related to electricity and the chemical elements in two parts. The first half of the volume is devoted to electrical and magnetic discoveries and modern electric machines, including the telegraph, while the second half explores the elements through the categories of metals, bases, salts, and acids. The volume is profusely illustrated throughout, including many illustrations depicting a range of scientific experiments and electrical machinery. An extensive listing of other Ward, Lock & Co. publications completes the volume.

Property Value
Publisher
  • Ward, Lock & Co.
Place of publication
  • England--London
Format
  • Image
  • Text
Genre
  • Illustrations
  • Publications
Extent
  • 19 cm H
  • 1 page
Language
  • English
Subject
  • Edison, Thomas A. (Thomas Alva), 1847-1931
  • Electric apparatus and appliances
  • Electric machines
  • Electricity
  • Electromagnetism
  • Magnetism
  • Scientific apparatus and instruments
  • Scientific illustration
Rights Public Domain Mark 1.0
Credit line
  • Courtesy of Science History Institute

Physical location

Department
  • Library
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Cite as

“Edison's Electric Pen.” Wonders of Electricity and the Elements, Being a Popular Account of Modern Electrical and Magnetic Discoveries, Magnetism and Electric Machines, the Electric Telegraph and the Electric Light, and the Metal Bases, Salt, and Acids. London, England: Lock Ward, 1870–1900. https://digital.sciencehistory.org/works/tf84scr.

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Edison's Electric Pen

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Rights

No Copyright Public Domain

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The Science History Institute recognizes there are materials in our collections that may be offensive or harmful, containing racist, sexist, Eurocentric, ableist, or homophobic language or depictions. The history of science is not exempt from beliefs or practices harmful to traditionally marginalized groups. The Institute is engaged in ongoing efforts to responsibly present and address the evidence of oppression and injustice inextricable from the history of science. If you would like to learn more about our ongoing efforts or if you encounter harmful, inaccurate, or insufficient descriptions, please contact us at digital@sciencehistory.org.

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