Experimental researches in electricity

Abstract

Abstract In the first section of this paper, the author considers the induction of electricity in motion. Shortly after the discovery by Oersted of the influence of electricity in motion on a magnetic needle, it was almost simultaneously discovered by Arago, Davy, and Seebeck, that iron became magnetic by induction from the connecting wire of a voltaic battery, or the passage of an electric current; but though the effects at first observed were afterwards greatly increased by peculiar arrangements, induction was in all cases restricted to iron. Arago’s beautiful experiments on magnetic needles vibrating within metallic rings, and on the mutual action of all metals and magnets, when either is in motion, are undoubtedly instances of a peculiar magnetic induction in other metals than iron; but the very doubtful experiment of Ampère can scarcely be adduced as one. The singular results obtained by MM. Marianini, De la Rive, and Von Beek, referred to by our author, are probably due to electric induction. But none of these can be considered as having originated the discoveries described in the present paper, excepting so far as all new views originate in the contemplation of results previously obtained.