Experimental researches in electricity

Abstract

Abstract This paper is divided into four parts: the first being on the Induction of Electric Currents; the second, on the Evolution of Electricity from Magnetism; the third, on a new Electrical Condition of Matter; and the fourth, on Arago’s Magnetic Phænomena. The author defines electrical induction to be the power which electrical currents possess of inducing any particular state upon matter in their immediate neighbourhood. A great length of copper wire, 1-20th of an inch in diameter, was wound round a cylinder of wood so as to compose two helices, the coils of which were intermixed, but prevented from touching each other by interposed threads of twine and calico. One helix was connected with a voltaic battery, and the other with a galvanometer. No effect was perceived on the latter, with a battery of 10 plates; a slight effect only with one of 100 plates; and a distinct deflection of the needle of the galvanometer occurred when the contact was made with a battery of 120 plates. While the contact was preserved, the needle returned to its natural position, and was unaffected by the electric current passing through the wire connected with the battery; but on breaking the connexion, the needle of the galvanometer was again deflected, but in a direction contrary to that of its former deflection. Hence it is inferred that the electric current sent by the battery through one wire, induced a similar current through the other wire, but only at the moment the contact was made; and a current in the contrary direction when the passage of the electricity was suddenly interrupted. These transitory currents, resembling waves, were found to be capable of magnetizing needles placed within the helix. Collateral currents, either in the same or in opposite directions, exert no permanent inductive power on each other.