he capacity of a condenser when connected only for an instant to a source of electricity. This is in contrast to electric absorption (see Absorption, Electric), and is capacity without such absorption taking part in the action.

The relative capacity of a conductor or system to retain a charge of electricity with the production of a given difference of potential. The greater the charge for a given change of potential, or the less the change of potential for a given charge the greater the capacity. The measure of its capacity is the [...]

The capacity of a dielectric in retaining an electrostatic charge; the same as Specific Inductive Capacity. ‘The number expressing it is sometimes called the dielectric constant.

India rubber; a substance existing in an emulsion or solution in the juice of certain trees and vines of the tropics, whence it is obtained by coagulation and drying. The name “rubber” is due to the fact that one of its earliest uses was for erasing pencil marks by rubbing. It has a very high [...]

An arc lamp with approximately parallel carbons. One of the carbons can rotate through a small arc being pivoted at its base. This oscillation is regulated by an electro-magnet at its base, and the carbons touch when no current is passing. They separate a little when the current passes, establishing an arc. The regulation is [...]

A standard of illuminating power. Unless otherwise expressed the English standard sperm candle is indicated by this term.

The average candle power of a source of light in all directions. An arc lamp and an incandescent lamp vary greatly in the intensity of light emitted by them in different directions. The average of a number of determinations at various angles, the lamp being moved about into different positions, is taken for the spherical [...]

The candle power of arc lamps is always stated in excess of the truth, and this may be termed as above. A 2000 candle power lamp really gives about 800 candles illumination.

The amount of light given by the standard candle. The legal English and standard American candle is a sperm candle burning two grains a minute. It should have burned some ten minutes before use, and the wick should be bent over and have a red tip. Otherwise its readings or indications are useless. A sixteen [...]

An arc lamp with approximately parallel carbons, one of which oscillates and is controlled by an electro-magnet and armature. A coil of wire is carried around the carbons to keep the arc steady and in place. The frame and wire coils have been found unsatisfactory, as causing a shadow.