ID:
846
Maker's Name:
Unknown
Where made:
England
Dimensions:
26 × 12 × 19.5 cm
The Maltese Cross Tube, created by William Crookes, demonstrates the flow of electrons in an evacuated vessel, under the influence of a high voltage . The electrons travel in straight lines if no other influence exists, are stopped by the metal cross, and cause the glass to fluoresce where they strike it, behind the cross, consequently casting a shadow of the cross on the end of the tube. The cross can be flipped down to prove that it is casting the shadow.
Book reference:
Griffin, J. Catalogue of Scientific Instruments, XIV ed, London, p959
