Electrostatic machine and autoclave: what they have in common

1. Step 1. Electrostatic machine — evolved into — Van de Graaff generator. A belt generator.
2. Step 2. Van de Graaff generator — evolved into — Particle accelerator. Early accelerators.
3. Step 3. Particle accelerator — uses — Vacuum. A vacuum chamber.
4. Step 4. Vacuum — is used in — Barometer. The Torricellian vacuum above the mercury.
5. Step 5. Barometer — works like — Manometer. Both measure pressure with a column of liquid: a barometer measures the air around us, a manometer the pressure inside a vessel.
6. Step 6. Manometer — is part of — Autoclave. The gauge shows whether the steam pressure in the chamber is high enough to sterilize.

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