254- Mr. J. Prideaux on the Theory of Voltaic Action. 



The number 75 is an estimate, and I think considerably be- 

 low the truth. Becquerel's table does not go so high. 



These facts do not appear so easy of explanation upon any 

 other hypothesis of liquid conduction, as on that by trans- 

 ference of particles. 



31. As, however, we are unacquainted with any standard 

 of the actual quantity of electricity circulating in any given 

 voltaic action, and as it would be difficult to measure even 

 the relative quantity that a given portion of positive and ne- 

 gative liquid matter can convey by transference of particles, 

 under a given tension, — we cannot ascertain by calculation, any 

 more than by direct experiment, whether this transference is 

 likely to be the chief, or even a partial agent, in conveying 

 the electricity through the liquid. The discharge of a Leyden 

 jar through a water-tube, though with great diminution of its 

 impetus, yet exhibits a rapidity of conduction inconsistent 

 with our notions of the transference of particles ; and a dis- 

 crepancy is occasionally found between the transmitting or 

 conducting power, and the facility of decomposition, as in the 

 case of dilute sulphuric and nitric acids. 



Still such a notion materially assists our understanding the 

 opposite electrical accumulations at the poles of the pile, and 

 some of the phaenomena accompanying them ; and the high 

 tension of a charged jar may enable the electricity to pass 

 through liquids in a manner which could not be produced by 

 the actions between the plates of a voltaic pile. 



Sect. V. Of the Loss of Power by continued Voltaic Circulation. 



32. However uncertain be the degree in which molecular 

 transference in the liquid acts as an auxiliary, no doubt exists 

 of the tendency of the negative particles toward the positive 

 plate, and vice versa : and if the leading principle of this paper 

 be true (20), they should, when thus arranged in the order of 

 electrical attraction, after discharging their acquired electricity, 

 oppose, and gradually tend to neutralize, the electromotive 

 action of the plates on each other. 



33. Thus, whilst a voltaic pair, kept, the zinc in alkali, the 

 copper in acid, retains its electricity unimpaired for a long 

 time, we find them, when charged with solution of a neutral 

 salt, become gradually weaker in action, until, after a short 

 period, they hardly affect the multiplier. If we now take the 

 plates out of the liquid, leave them exposed to the air, and 

 replace them, the action is renewed with a vigour and perma- 

 nence proportionate (to a certain extent) to the length of time 

 the plates have been withdrawn from the liquid. 



34. During this time of separation, the liquid particles at- 



