CONDENSER

, a pneumatic engine, or syringe, by which an extraordinary quantity of air may be crowded or pushed into a given space; so that frequently ten atmospheres, or ten times as much air as the space naturally contains, without the engine, may be thrown in by means of it, and its egress prevented by valves properly disposed.

The condenser is made either of metal, or glass, and either in a cylindrical or globular form, into which the air is thrown with an injecting syringe.

The receiver, or vessel containing the condensed air, should be made very strong, to bear the force of the air's elasticity thus increased; for which reason it is commonly made of brass. When glass is used, it will not bear so great a condensation of air; but then the experiment will be more entertaining, as the effect may be viewed of the condensed air upon any subject put within it.