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quantity of iron filings, and obtained a new packet of needles 
which had not previously been opened. 
Experiment No. 1.—I tested two of these needles for magnetism 
by dipping them in the iron filings—zthere was no effect. I then 
bound these needles in direct contact with a piece of thick copper 
wire bent by Mr. Gataker in this shape { |_. Mr. Gataker, 
holding the wire after the manner of dowsers, then walked over 
an underground spring and stood with the wire revolving for 
two minutes. I unbound the needles and again tested them 
with iron filings, for magnetism—there was no effect. 
I then floated them on a bowl of water to test them for 
polarity (this is one of the most delicate tests for magnetism) still 
there was no effect. I then repeated the experiment by allowing 
the needles to remain in contact with the copper wire for seven 
minutes, during the whole of which time the copper wire was 
revolving, and Mr. Gataker was experiencing the peculiar 
sensation which accompanies dowsing operations—still there was 
no effect on the needles. 
Experiment No. 2.—I now magnetized a new needle in the 
usual manner and floated it on water, it instantly assumed polarity, 
and when so polarized I requested Mr. Gataker to place the 
copper wire, now straigthened for the purpose, and through 
which the current was supposed to be passing, over the floating 
magnetized needle—there was no effect. Had there been a current 
of magnetic fluid passing along the wire the floating needle would 
have placed itself diagonally to it. 
I tried other experiments, such as holding the needle for some 
time in contact with the copper wire, whilst revolving, as 
described by Mr. MacKnight, but there was no effect. 
Experiment No. 3.—I now tested for insulation. Mr. 
MacKnight says “that when Mrs. Manners was insulated by 
standing on a board, supported on four glass salt cellars all motion 
of the rod ceased.” I therefore placed a board on six clean and 

