The origin of the Leyden Jar. Andreas Cuneus (1712-1778) Dutch lawyer and scientist, in the laboratory of Pieter von Musschenbroek (1692-1761), attempting to electrify water contained in a bottle with the charge created by the friction from a glass globe static electric machine, Leyden, 1746. Musschenbroek repeated the experiment and was surprised by the electric shock he received. Engraving from 'Electricity in the Service of Man' by Amedee Guillemin (London, 1891). Photo via Newscom