Scintillating Tubes
Scintillating tubes were a popular form of electric entertainment throughout the 18th and even 19th centuries. A line of small foil diamonds or discs spiraling down a hand-blown glass tube, with only a small space separating the pieces. A dramatic electric display of sparkling light is created when a static charge is applied to the brass ball finial atop the tube - the charge spirals down the path of tin-foil diamonds, creating a bright spark at the union of each piece.
Assortment of scintillating tubes and globe. c, 19th century.