Black and white illustration depicting the electric pen, an invention of Thomas Edison (1847-1931). Powered by an electric motor, the pen was created as a means to duplicate documents. It operates by using a perforating function to create a stencil from which numerous prints can be produced. The illustration is included in the accompanying text to depict an application of electromagnetism.

This plate is from 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.