225 Years Since the Voltaic Pile Discovery

The article considers the discovery of a new chemical energy source, the Voltaic column, by Italian scientist Alessandro Volta 225 years ago. The article provides biographical information about the scientist, evaluates his contribution to science, discusses the influence of Galvani's experiments on the discovery, and provides an author's description of the new energy source outlined in a letter to the Royal Society of England. In the description, A. Volta clearly points out the features in which the new energy source differs from the Leyden jar – a huge electrical capacity and the possibility of long-term operation. The influence of A. Volta’s discovery on the development of physics, physical chemistry and electrical engineering in the first half of the 19th century is appraised. The influence of this discovery on the development of electrical engineering in Russia, the role of the military department in this process, and demonstrations of new electrical devices such as remote mine detonators, electric boats, and galvanic telegraphs are particularly noted. Attention is focused on the connection between the Voltaic pile invention and the beginning of its first applications in military arts with the emergence of electrical engineering education in Russia, and then with the advent of large-scale electrical production.