Abstract: A portable, direct current electric generator uses a salt water solution as an electrolyte. An outer housing in the form of an open-topped, rectangular box is provided, and an inner housing having a compartment for receiving the salt water electrolyte is placed within the outer housing. A space is provided between at least one of the walls of the inner housing and a wall of the outer housing, and provision is made to supply air to this space. The inner housing member has an aperture in the side facing the air space, and an air cathode member is secured in this aperture. The air cathode member is air-permeable, but is impervious to water on the side facing the air space. A metal anode, preferably made of magnesuim, aluminum, or a magnesium-aluminum alloy, is removably secured to a removable cover placed over the open top of the inner and outer housing members to extend into the salt water solution within the inner housing member.