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THOUGHTS on MAGNETISM. By RICHARD 

 KIR WAN, E/q; L.L.D. F.R.S. and M.R.I. J. 



I- 1 HERE are two ways of explaining a natural phaenomenon; Read March 

 the firft, is by difcovering the conditions and circumftances of its '^' *'^ ' 

 produdion and the laws by which its adion is governed ; the 

 fecond, is by fhewing its analogy, fimilarity or coincidence with 

 fome general fad with whofe laws and exiftence we are already 

 acquainted ; this lafl: mode is by far the moft perfed and fatis- 

 fadory. In the firft fenfe of the word eledricity and magnetifm 

 have been in fome meafure explained, but in the laft fenfe neither ; 

 the primary caufe of magnetifm in particular has hitherto been 

 fuppofed to relate to iron alone, or its ores, and to ftand uncon- 

 neded v/ith all other natural phsenomena. 



2. If therefore any other general fad or power can be dif- 

 covered to which it bears fome analogy or fimilarity, it may fo 

 far be fald to be explained. Now fuch fad or power I think may 

 be affigned, namely, the power of cryjlalizat'ion. 



Vol. VI. Z 3. By 



