Let the reader learn first all that can be learned by the aid of this simple apparatus, then branch out to allied things, making each step as thorough as possible, and before long he will be congratulating himself on having gained at least an elementary knowledge of electricity.

Very little can be done in the way of electrical experiment without an electrical generator of some sort, and nothing at present known can excel a battery for this purpose.  Although not the most desirable battery for all purposes, that shown in Fig. 1 is the most desirable for the amateur who desires a strong current for a short time.  It is formed of two plates, a, of carbon arranged on opposite sides of an amalgamated plate, b, of zinc, and separated from the zinc by strips of wood.  Bars of wood are placed outside of the carbon plates, and the four bars are fastened together by two common wood screws, thus clamping all the bars and the zinc and carbon plates securely in the position of use.

[Illustration:  FIG. 1.—­SIMPLE BATTERY.]

Between the zinc plate and the wooden bar adjoining it is inserted a strip of copper, c, for leading away the current from the zinc pole of the battery, and between the carbon plates and the wooden bars is inserted a doubled strip of copper, d, forming a connection between the two carbon plates, and at the same time serving as a conductor for conveying away the current from the carbon pole of the battery.  This element is to be plunged into a tumbler of sufficient depth to allow the wooden bars to rest on the upper edge of the tumbler, while the lower ends of the plates are one-half or three-quarters inch above the tumbler bottom.

THE SOLUTION.

In the tumbler is placed a solution consisting of two-thirds of a tumblerful of water, two ounces of bichromate of potash, and two ounces of sulphuric acid.  The bichromate of potash should be dissolved first, then the acid should be slowly and carefully added.  As the solution heats, it is well to prepare it in an earthen vessel, which is not liable to break.  These materials should be used with great caution, as they are poisonous, and the solution is very corrosive, destroying almost everything with which it comes in contact.  With proper care, however, there is no danger in using the solution.  It gives off no poisonous vapors.  Of course it is advisable to make the solution in quantities of a gallon or so when convenient.

The battery compound known as the C and C battery compound, sold in tin cans at most electric stores, is very convenient.  It is only necessary to place two or three ounces of it in the tumbler and add the amount of water above mentioned, stirring the solution with a glass or rubber rod until the crystals are dissolved.

A caution is necessary here.  If only a portion of the contents of the can are to be dissolved, it will be necessary to place the remainder in a glass or earthen jar, as it will absorb moisture and rapidly eat its way through the can.