Voltaic Piles

1st Half, 19th Century

Invented by Alessandro Volta In 1800, Voltaic piles were the first practical device for creating electricity. A Voltaic pile consists of multiple layers of silver and zinc separated by paper soaked in a weak acid solution. Each layer is called a “cell”. Together the cells are called a “battery.” Shown are three beautiful examples of 19th century piles on display at the museum.