R20 sized Leclanche cells containing EMD and traditional or ZnCl2 electrolyte have been discharged through 4 Omega for 15, 30 and 60 min/day. Measurement of recuperated zinc electrode potential against a precisely-located KCl bridge/SCE reference electrode assembly has enabled the three major stages of discharge in traditional electrolyte to be demonstrated in a cell for the first time. Reasonable correspondence between the discharge data and calculations, based on the positive active mixture composition, have confirmed the overall discharge reactions taking place in stages 1 and 2. In ZnCl2 electrolyte, zinc potential decreased more rapidly than would have been expected for a discharge product of ZnCl2. 4Zn(OH)(2). H2O. The experimental behaviour could be explained if this product which has a layer structure, absorbed additional ZnCl2 and possibly H2O between the layers. The potential of the EMD/H insertion electrode confirmed data obtained previously on another EMD so the large decrease of potential with H insertion is again ascribed to independent mobility of inserted protons and electrons.