EXPERIMENTS WITH THE TOPLER MACHINE. 145 



large battery and coil would be required to produce the 

 same result. But this should be taken merely as an 

 indication of comparative intensity ; as, practically, only 

 very short sparks are required : so that a battery and 

 coil of medium size is generally sufficient. 



A damp atmosphere does not affect the battery, 

 while it lessens the energy of the machine; and, in 

 unskillful hands, may interfere with its practical 

 efficiency. But, with either system, the person in 

 charge should have a thorough knowledge of its care 

 and management: in which case the machine can 

 always be kept in practical working order. 



