of a Chronometer. 123 



taining a position coincident with the meridian, where it conti- 

 nued in a state of tremulous motion as before. 



The quantity of steel contained in this Chronometer was 

 truly remarkable, and no part of it was destitute of vigorous po- 

 larity. Every screw displayed its influence, and of which there 

 were ten large, and several small ones, in the frame alone. The 

 chain also, the axles of the different wheels and pinions, the ar- 

 bor of the fusee, the balance and its spring, exhibited the same 

 intense and active power *. Nor did this polarity partake of the 

 transient character of that imparted by induction from the earth 

 to soft iron, but was permanent, undergoing no sensible altera- 

 tion from change of position. 



From the short time the Chronometer has been in my pos- 

 session, no satisfactory account has been obtained of its rate. 

 During the three preceding years it was constantly on ship- 

 board, and its general character is said to have been good ; al- 

 though, at times, it appears to hare been subject to rather 

 more than ordinary aberrations. It would be interesting if a few 

 facts connected with its previous history could be obtained, as 

 they might probably throw some light on the source from whence 

 it derived its active magnetic powers. At a future time, I hope 

 to be able to communicate something on this head. 



On a subsequent occasion, another Chronometer was exa- 

 mined by means of the same apparatus. The balance evinced 

 no proofs of polarity when small magnets were presented to it ; 

 but the apparatus of COULOMB detected some minute varieties 

 of attraction in different parts. 



* Mr Cox, the agent for AKNOLD'S Chronometers at this place, and whose ac- 

 curate knowledge of the principles and action of time-keepers is so well known to 

 many of the most distinguished officers of his Majesty's Navy, remarked, when the 

 Chronometer under consideration was shewn to him, that it appeared nothing less 

 than a Magazine of Magnets, 



Q y 



