S4 Mr. W. Sturgeon on the Theory of Magnetic Electricity. 



is but half accomplished. There is still something more to 

 be done. A process of ratiocination has yet to be exercised, 

 frequently above the sphere of the mere experimenter, which 

 conveys the ideas far beyond the simple exhibition of phaeno- 

 mena. Such sublime investigations, if successful, unfold and 

 penetrate into the more recondite recesses of nature; transport 

 the mind to the very source from which emanate proximate 

 and unerring fundamental laws, and display in superior radi- 

 ance of philosophic light the modus operandi by which the 

 dormant powers are impelled into activity, and exercise their 

 dominion over the resulting obsequious phenomena. 



I believe it is generally admitted by writers on magnetism, 

 that a steel bar in a state of polarization is surrounded on 

 every side by the magnetic matter, frequently called the 

 magnetic effluvium, which forms to the bar a species of mag- 

 netic atmosphere. This point being granted, it will be a 

 matter of no consequence to the present undertaking, whether 

 this effluvial matter be stationary as regards the magnet, or 

 whether, as some have imagined, it be continually flowing 

 from pole to pole : it will be sufficient for the present purpose 

 to consider it as consisting of exceedingly minute, polarized 

 particles, emanating immediately from the surface of the steel; 

 — concessions of no novel character, and such, I imagine, as but 

 few will be found willing to deny. 



With regard to the distribution of the virtual intangible 

 magnetic particles in the vicinity of the bar, we cannot perhaps 

 be more correctly directed for information than by examining 

 attentively the arrangement of fine particles of iron, when 

 gently and promiscuously scattered on paper, beneath which 

 is placed a magnetic bar : for, notwithstanding the magnetic 

 matter itself, — in consequence, perhaps, of the exceeding mi- 

 nuteness of its particles,-^-escapes the cognizance of vision, the 

 distribution of the ferruginous particles being accomplished by 

 its polarizing efficacy, may very justly be considered as the 

 true representative of the distribution of the virtual intangible 

 magnetic matter enveloping the surface of the steel. 



Now, as those elemental magnetic intangibles are polar, 

 their poles will necessarily be arranged according to the im- 

 mutable laws exhibited by visible tangible magnets; to which 

 they are the main-spring of all their energies, and the only 

 active agents by which their mysterious phaenomena are called 

 forth, as displayed in the silent motions of the passive obedient 

 steel. Regular concatenations of alternate north and south 

 poles will, by their mutual attraction, pervade every part of 

 the magnetic effluvium as decidedly and as uniformly as in a 

 consecutive series o( polarized ferruginous bars. 



