
WARNING: This book of one hundred years ago describes experiments which are too dangerous to attempt by either adults or children. It is published for historical interest only. - The "How-to-do-it" Books
ELECTRICITY FOR BOYS
INTRODUCTORY
CHAPTER I - THE STUDY OF ELECTRICITY. HISTORICAL
CHAPTER IIToC - WHAT TOOLS AND APPARATUS ARE NEEDED
CHAPTER IIIToC - MAGNETS, COILS, ARMATURES, ETC.
CHAPTER IVToC - FRICTIONAL, VOLTAIC OR GALVANIC, AND ELECTRO-MAGNETIC ELECTRICITY
CHAPTER VToC - HOW TO DETECT AND MEASURE ELECTRICITY
CHAPTER VIToC - VOLTS, AMPERES, OHMS AND WATTS
CHAPTER VIIToC - PUSH BUTTONS, SWITCHES, ANNUNCIATORS, BELLS AND LIKE APPARATUS
A century‑old handbook walks eager learners through the fundamentals of electricity, starting with a brief history and the basic concepts of charge, magnetism and current. Written in clear, step‑by‑step language, it shows how to set up a modest workshop, gather the right tools, and assemble simple components such as coils, batteries and switches. Original illustrations make the explanations easy to follow, and the text introduces practical devices—from a Leyden jar to a hand‑cranked telegraph—while constantly warning that many of the experiments are too hazardous for unsupervised play.
Beyond the basics, the guide expands into measuring voltage and resistance, building rudimentary circuits, and exploring early communication technologies like wireless telegraphy and the acoustic telephone. It also touches on related topics such as electrolysis, water purification and basic electroplating, giving readers a broad view of how electrical principles were applied in the early 1900s. The result is a fascinating snapshot of hands‑on science from a bygone era, perfect for anyone curious about the roots of modern electronics.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (232K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Joe Longo and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2007-09-25
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1849–1921
Best known for lively, hands-on books that introduced young readers to carpentry, mechanics, electricity, automobiles, and early flight, this American inventor wrote with the excitement of a born tinkerer. His work captures a moment when modern technology still felt brand new and full of possibility.
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