First electric generator. Engraving of the first static electricity generator, designed by German scientist Otto von Guericke (1602-1686). During 1660-63 Guericke constructed a large ball of sulphur which could be turned on a spindle. As he rubbed his hand on it he noticed that the friction caused it became strongly charged with static electricity. Guericke tried to explain the world and the universe by suggesting that magnetism was the primary force.