VOLTA, Vona, Alessandro, Italian phys icist and pioneer in electrical discovery: b. Como, 18 Feb. 1745; d. there, 5 March 1827. In 1777 he paid a visit to Switzerland, where he became personally acquainted with Haller at Bern, Voltaire at Ferney and De Saussure at Geneva. Two treatises, published in 1769 and 1771, in which he gave a description of a new electrical machine, laid the foundation of his fame. In 1774 Volta became rector of the gym nasium in Como and professor of physics. In 1779 he was transferred from Como to Pavia to fill the chair of natural philosophy in the uni versity of that city. Here he occupied himself entirely with electrical researches. He had previously (1777) invented the electrophorus (q.v.), and his invention of the electroscope (q.v.) (also 1777), was an important improve ment. His observations upon the bubbles which arise from stagnant water led him also to some valuable discoveries in regard to gases. The electrical pistol, the eudiometer, the lamp with inflammable air, the electrical condenser and other inventions, are among his claims to re nown. He next turned his attention to some
of the atmospherical phenomena, such as the nature of hail, and subsequently increased his reputation by the invention of the Voltaic pile (1800). In 1782 he had made a tour through France, Germany, England and Holland. In 1794 he received the Copleian medal from the Royal Society of London, for his paper upon the condenser; and in 1801 his electric appa ratus attracted so much notice in France that Napoleon invited him to give an account of his invention before a commission of the In stitute, and when the commissioners made their report, proposed that a gold medal should be awarded the inventor in recognition of his services to science. He was also decorated with the cross of the Legion of Honor and the order of the Iron Crown, and was raised to the dignity of senator of Italy, with the title of count. In 1804 he resigned his professional duties. Antinori edited a collection of his works (1816). Consult Mocchetti, (Vita del Conte Volta' (1838).