HtH^ MUforieal Sketch of Elect ro-magnetisni. [Feb^J 



electricities of those poles, an effect is supposed to take place in 

 the wire, dependent on the union of the electricities, called the 

 electric conflict; and it is this effect, or action, or state of the 

 electricities that is considered capable of affecting the magnetic 

 needle, and changing its direction. 



The electric conflict acts only on the magnetic particles of 

 matter. All non-magnetic bodies appear penetrable by the elec- 

 tric conflict, while magnetic bodies, or rather their magnetic 

 particles, resist its passage, and are, therefore, moved by the 

 impetus of the contending powers. The electric conflict is not 

 confined to the conductor, but is considerably extended througl? 

 the circumjacent space, otherwise it could not act on the needle" 

 at a distance. It also performs circles, for, without this condi- 

 tion, M. Oersted says, it seems impossible that any one part of 

 the uniting wire when placed below the magnetic pole should 

 drive it towards the east, and when placed above it towards the 

 wrest ; but it is the nature of a circle that the motions in oppo- 

 site parts should have an opposite direction. 



M. Oersted then adds, that all the effects on the north pole 

 mentioned in his experiments, may be easily understood by sup- 

 posing that negative electricity moves in a spiral line, bent 

 towards the right, propelling the north pole, but not acting on 

 the south pole. The effects on the south pole are explained in a 

 similar manner, if to positive electricity be ascribed a contrary 

 motion, and power of acting on the south pole, but not on the 

 north. 



The theory of M. Oersted, therefore, seems to require that 

 there be two electric fluids; that they be not either combined or 

 separate, but in the act of combining so as to produce an electric 

 conflict ; that they move nevertheless separate from each other, 

 and in opposite spiral directions, through and round the wire; 

 and that they have entirely distinct and different magnetical 

 powers; the one electricity (negative) propeUing the north pole 

 of a magnet, but having no action at all on the south pole ; the 

 other electricity (positive) propelling the south pole, but having 

 no power over the north pole. 



1 have before said, that I am not able to comprehend the 

 whole of the Professor's statement, and, perhaps, therefore, 

 ought not to send you any account of it. It is to be hoped, 

 however, that this celebrated philosopher will shortly develope 

 the principles more at large, which have already led him to tne 

 results he has published ; and there can be no doubt that in pur- 

 suing them he will arrive at other results as new to the world, as 

 important to science, and as honourable to himself, as those he 

 has already made known.* 



The experiments made by M. Berzelius have been mentioned 

 in a former part of this letter. They are contained in a letter to 



• See jtnnaU of Philosophy, ii. 321, New Serie*.— £rf. 



