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The Royal Society: Science in the Making

Letter, 'Account of electricity excited by contact and conducting substances of different kinds' from Alessandro Volta to Joseph Banks

Reference number: L&P/11/137

Date: 20 March 1800

Description

21 pages in French, with 36 pages of English translation. Translation is held within the Letters & Papers Supplements Box (L&P.Supp.7).

Subject: Physics

Published in Philosophical Transactions, as 'On the electricity excited by the mere contact of conducting substances of different kinds. In a letter from Mr. Alexander Volta, F. R. S. Professor of Natural Philosophy in the University of Pavia, to the Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. K.B. P. R. S'

Read 26 June 1800

Reference number
L&P/11/137
Earliest possible date
20 March 1800
Physical description
Ink on paper
Page extent
57 pages
Format
Manuscript

Creator name

Alessandro Volta

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Citation

Alessandro Volta, Letter, 'Account of electricity excited by contact and conducting substances of different kinds' from Alessandro Volta to Joseph Banks, 20 March 1800, L&P/11/137, The Royal Society Archives, London, https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/l-and-p_11_137/letter-account-of-electricity-excited-by-contact-and-conducting-substances-of-different-kinds-from-alessandro-volta-to-joseph-banks, accessed on 09 June 2026

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https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/l-and-p_11_137/letter-account-of-electricity-excited-by-contact-and-conducting-substances-of-different-kinds-from-alessandro-volta-to-joseph-banks

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  • Letters and Papers

    'Letters and Papers' contains the scientific correspondence sent to the Royal Society through the 18th century, many of which were published in its journal.

    Dates: 1741 - 1806

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