256 THOUGHTS ON THE NATURE AND ORIGIN OF FORCE. 



adhesion, we can also perceive that tlie particles, wLeu ouce brought 

 into a common polarization, would be likely to maintain their constrained 

 axial position permanently, i^rovided that the adhesive resistances of 

 the molecules should exceed their magnetic resistances. Such a behav- 

 ior we find presented by hardened steel, to which habit the name 

 "specific coercitive power" has been given. 



There is obviously no transfer of virtue from the magnetizing to the 

 maguetized body. On the contrary, the former is actually strengthened 

 by its evolution of the manifestation in the latter — a result in perfect 

 accord with the supposition of a reaction of mutual pretixisting attrac- 

 tions. 



It is familiar that by holding a bar of steel in the direction of the 

 earth's magnetic pole, or rather of its magnetic dip, and giving the end 

 of the bar a few taps with a hammer, we can at once induce the mag- 

 netic condition. Here obviously the molecular vibrations from the blow 

 have facilitated the rotations necessar}" to bring the particles into axial 

 accord. 



The work expended therefore in developing the magnetism of a steel 

 bar, whether by the mechanical passes of an artificial magnet, the long- 

 continued induction of the terrestrial polarity, or the molecular disturb- 

 ance of an eletrical coil, is simply that required to overcome the original 

 resistances to the changed condition. The magnetic force, or dual forces, 

 must be regarded as primitive, constant, unchangeable attributes of the 

 ultimate particles of matter ; as incapable of increase, of diminution, or 

 of transfer, as gravitation itself. And the notable discovery of diamag- 

 netisni, by Faraday, leads us to believe that all matter has this polar 

 quality indelibly stamped upon it in A'arying degrees ; the molecules of 

 nitrogen possessing it in the smallest degree of any known element. 



Analogical reasoning would appear to justify the conclusion that 

 electrical attraction and repulsion (capricious, ephemeral, and mysterious 

 as they appear) belong to the same category of origiiial and unalterable 

 molecular properties, although it is by no means easy to give so rational 

 an account of the i^henomena observed as in the case of magnetism. 

 The fact that both are j^olar forces, exhibiting a duplex action ; that in 

 both cases similar states or poles repel each other, and opposite states 

 or poles attract each other ; that these conditions of attraction and 

 repulsion apply equally or indifferentl}" to either jDole; and that an 

 opposing polarity may be induced by approach in other matter, would 

 certainly indicate a very similar nature and seat of infiuence. 



In the apparent transfer, however, of electricity by contact or discharge, 

 and in the neutral equilibrium immediately resulting, there is an action 

 sui generis ; as also in its manifestation as a differential of chemical, or 

 of thermal activities. In the mutual reactions of the magnet and the 

 electrical current, still more puzzling phenomena are i^resentedj and 

 without attempting to discuss Ampere's ingenious theory of the " sole- 

 noid," the observed fact that each does exhibit a torsional or tangential 



