by Brian Bradfield (bradfiel@intellex.com)
Back in the 18th century, a German scientist wanted to find out how to build a device that could store electricity, so he built a jar with a layer of metal then plastic then more metal. He put a wire from a lid to the bottom and filled it with water. He attached the outside metal to a terminal of a static generator and the wire from the inside to the other terminal. When he got done, he touched the terminals and the static charge that had built up was so huge it almost killed him. That is why I tell you NOT TO USE ANY JAR LARGER THAN A PINT OR A HALF PINT because lager than a quart can kill an adult in good health.
Make sure that the jar is all cleaned out and dry. Now, tear off some alumiumn foil and wrap it around the jar about half way up inside and out. Use the electrical tape to tape the foil on in place. Place some foil in the bottom of the jar. Now, make a paper clip chain about six inches long. Drill a hole about a quarter inch in the lid and put a wire through there. After that, twist the wires and the top paper clip together. This is your top terminal. Put some electrical tape around where the wire and paper clips meet. Now, electrical tape a wire to the side of the jar. And there you have it a Leyden jar like the picture below!