Elektor is proud to present From Rubbing Amber to Swiping Glass: How Humanity Turned Electricity into Electronics, a captivating new book by Elektor engineer and author Clemens Valens.

What connects the ancient mystery of amber attracting dust to the modern magic of touchscreens? In this richly illustrated and accessible hard-cover book, Valens traces the remarkable evolution of electricity from scientific curiosity to the foundation of our digital age.

A Journey Through Discovery

In From Rubbing Amber to Swiping Glass the reader is walked through centuries of experimentation and invention, introducing pivotal concepts and characters along the way. The table of contents speaks for itself:
 
  • The Electron
  • Capacitance & the Leyden Jar
  • The Battery & the Voltaic Pile
  • Resistance & Ohm’s Law
  • Inductance & Electromagnetism
  • Kirchhoff’s Circuit Laws
  • The Vacuum Tube
  • The Transistor
  • The Integrated Circuit
  • Feedback
  • The Operational Amplifier
  • Optoelectronics
  • Information Theory
  • Digital Logic
  • The Microcontroller
  • Digital Signals
  • The Printed Circuit Board & Wiring
  • The Internet
  • A Look into the Future
  • Electronics Engineering is Also…

Each chapter demystifies key moments in electrical engineering, from Kirchhoff’s laws to the rise of integrated circuits, weaving historical insight with technical clarity.From rubbing amber to swiping glass - extreme kirchhof


Reference-Friendly: Indexed Concepts, Inventions, and Pioneers

The book also features an extensive index, providing quick and easy access to key concepts, inventions, and discoveries that have shaped the history of electronics. Whether you're looking for information on Ohm’s Law, the development of the transistor, or the rise of microcontrollers, the index makes it simple to locate detailed explanations throughout the book. In addition, a dedicated list of important persons highlights the scientists, inventors, and engineers—both well-known and unsung—whose ideas and innovations were instrumental in turning electricity into electronics. This curated reference section makes the book not only an engaging read but also a valuable resource for students, educators, and lifelong learners.
 
From Rubbing Amber to Swiping Glass 7-segment display
It was a certain Frank W. Wood who, in 1908, filed a patent for an “illuminated announcement and display signal”, a large display device  intended for warships and the like featuring the first 7-segment display (actually, it used 8 segments).
 

Perfect for the Curious and the Technically Inclined

Whether you're an electronics enthusiast, a student, or simply curious about how the modern world came to be, From Rubbing Amber to Swiping Glass offers a thoughtful and engaging read. It’s a tribute to human curiosity—and a nudge to imagine what comes next.

Available now from Elektor. Discover the story of electronics—told one connection at a time.