This object consists of two parts, a box and a lightbulb attached by a wire. The metal box has sides perforated by circular holes. There is a large switch on the top and two wooden knobs. The larger knob has a cord attached which is attached at the other end to a large light bulb with four internal electrodes, some of which have metallic blobs on the end. A power cord with wall outlet plug is attached to the smaller knob.
Accession Number: 2009.ph.24
Tungsten Arc Lamp, Electrical Discharge Lamp
Primary Materials: Metal, Glass, Ceramic, Cloth, Wood
On the lightbulb: “ROYAL EDISWAN
POINTOLITE
(PATENT)
600 CP”
Height = 16.2cm, Width = 20.5, Length = 20.5
This lamp is a system for providing a very bright point of light. The bulb is rated 600 Candle Power.
Good. The metallic parts of the switch are corroded. The lightbulb is blackened towards the tip. The wire is degrading and shedding fibres.
Associated Instruments: 2009.ph.96, 2009.ph.98
Manufacturer: Ediswan
Date of Manufacture: c. 1930s
University of Toronto Department of Physics
Compare with this similar object at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History: <a href=http://collections.peabody.yale.edu/search/Record/YPM-HSI-050915>Pointolite Resistance, Ediswan</a> and this object at the Oxford Museum for the History of Science: <a href=http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/collections/imu-search-page/record-details/?TitInventoryNo=67571&querytype=field&thumbnails=on&irn=12817>Electric Pointolite Lamp, by Ediswan</a>.
Historical Notes:
Themes: