Illustrations for catalog listings. The first, Figure 188, depicts an Electro-magnetic Machine, "forming a powerful and portable apparatus for the application of medical electricity; also a highly interesting instrument for effecting decompositions by electro-magnetic power, producing brilliant combustion of the various metals with the different colored lights, and admirably adapted for experimental research." The second, Figure 189, depicts Sturgeon's Semi-Spiral Disc, a galvanic apparatus that similarly exhibits colored sparks upon combustion of various metals. The device is likely attributed to William Sturgeon (1783-1850), the electrical engineer credited with the invention of the electromagnet.

These illustrations are part of Palmer's New Catalogue by Edward Palmer (1803-1872), regarded as the earliest, freely-accessible sales catalog of commercially available chemicals and scientific apparatus. The catalog provides insight into the costs and considerations of equipping laboratories during the early Victorian period. Featuring 292 engraved figures, the catalog is digitized in its entirety.