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Mr. Wotkins on EledrO'tnagnetic motive Machines, 195 



quently in a very rapid proportion, while the space gained 

 through whicii the magnetic attractive force operates is in- 

 creased comparatively in a very small degree. 



It is truly surprising how limited is the ratio of improve- 

 ment in the power of a machine by enlarging its magnets, as 

 we then unfortunately increase the weight of the moving parts. 

 I have noticed before, that the model with one pair of steel 

 magnets, with four arms, and one electro-magnet, raised a 

 weight through a certain space in a given time. Now when 

 the model with two pair of steel magnets with four arms and 

 two electro-magnets was experimented with, it was found 

 that the latter was not so much more powerful than the former 

 as we might have been led to expect. 



It should be remembered that the means employed to change 

 the direction of the current and the weight of the axis or shaft 

 in both cases were exactly alike ; therefore I conceive it was 

 the extra friction of the axis caused by the extra weight of the 

 additional pair of steel magnets that decreased the inertia of 

 motion, and thus prevented the available power increasing to 

 the amount anticipated. 



I have not remarked upon the resistance of the air to the 

 revolving arms, for that must be a retarding action in all cases 

 of revolution. Besides the arms cut the air edgewise, there- 

 fore they are under the most favourable circumstances as re- 

 gards that point. 



It has been suggested as the means of gaining more power 

 o multiply the number of fixed and moveable magnets, and 

 so contrive that the forces should conspire to produce their 

 sum at the working point, and we may infer that an advantage 

 to a certain degree may be gained by a skilful arrangement ; 

 but if my views are correct, the power gained could be ob- 

 tained on a large scale from other sources more oeconomically. 



I am well aware it frequently occurs in the application of a 

 philosophical principle or a mechanical arrangement that there 

 is a considerable difference between a model and that of a large 

 working machine ; it therefore behoves all persons experimen- 

 tally engaged in the application of a principle or a power to 

 bear this in mind, and not to decide too hastily because they 

 fail several times with models. And I am also aware that my 

 arrangement is faulty, and not the most judicious that 

 could be contrived, although one of them is very simple ; yet 

 it does appear from the nature of the force we employ, and its 

 small distance of working action, that we must look forward 

 and hope for a better knowledge of the nature of the mysteri- 

 ous and invisible agent which is to actuate our machines before 

 complete success crown our endeavours, 



Z2 



