VII. Polarization of metallic surfaces in aqueous solutions. On a new method of obtaining electricity from mechanical force, and certain relations between electrostatic induction and the decomposition of water

Abstract

In 1860, having need of condensers of enormous capacity, the author found that platinum plates immersed in a solution of sulphuric acid and water had enormous capacity, and could, under certain conditions, be used as condensers with potentials below that necessary for decomposing water. When one of the platinum plates was replaced by mercury, and a powerful battery was applied so as to make the mercury negative, the latter flattened out and increased its surface.