a pneumatic engine, or syringe, with which a greater quantity of air may be crowded into a given space; so that sometimes ten atmospheres, or ten times as much air as there is at the same time in the same space, under the usual pressure, may be thrown in by means of it, and its effects prevented by valves properly disposed.

It consists of a brass cylinder, wherein is a moveable piston; which being drawn out, the air rushes into the cylinder through a hole provided for purpose; and when the piston is again forced into the cylinder, the air is driven into the receiver through an orifice, furnished with a valve to hinder its getting out.

The receiver or vessel containing the condensed air, should be made very strong, to bear the force of the air's spring thus increased; for which reason they are generally made of brass; its orifice is fitted with a female screw to receive the male-screw at the end of the condenser.

CONDENSER of Electricity, an apparatus for collecting small quantities of the electric fluid. This instrument was invented by Volta, and is described in the 72d vol. of the Phil. Trans. See Electricity.