Illustrations of the electric cell and battery apparatus developed by Alfred Smee (1818-1877). The cell consists of two positively charged zinc plates and one negatively charged platinized silver plate immersed in dilute sulphuric acid. The illustration supplements the accompanying text's discussion of galvanic cells.

These illustrations are found in the publication, Wonders of Electricity and the Elements, an educational volume covering a variety of topics related to electricity and the chemical elements in two parts. The first half of the volume is devoted to electrical and magnetic discoveries and modern electric machines, including the telegraph, while the second half explores the elements through the categories of metals, bases, salts, and acids. The volume is profusely illustrated throughout, including many illustrations depicting a range of scientific experiments and electrical machinery. An extensive listing of other Ward, Lock & Co. publications completes the volume.