Ford, Richard: - Richard A. Ford is an electrical experimenter and inventor specializing in turn-of-the-century electrostatic devices. An avid researcher, he developed his own electrostatic generator, which is detailed in the book. Ford also has served as a technical consultant to manufacturers of Wimshurst and Van de Graaff generators. For many years, he has devoted himself to introducing students of all ages to the science and history of electricity. For the past five years, he has worked to develop high voltage equipment for use in high school science fair projects as well as in physics labs and lectures.