Arc lamp

This apparatus generates a permanent light that can be manually regulated. An electrical current is transmitted between two slightly separated carbon points, generating electric light. To maintain the light, it is essential that the carbon rods remain at the appropriate distance, which in this case is regulated manually. The first experiments using this lighting system - called the electric or voltaic arc - are attributed to the chemist Davy around 1800. However, it wasn’t until 1844 when Foucault (1819-1868) managed to obtain efficient illumination using the electric arc, thanks to a manual regulator. Our piece was made by a French house which began operating towards the end of the 19th century.