125 



pears from the following experiment. Water was decomposed by a 

 given Voltaic power in an apparatus contrived so, that the interval 

 could be changed at pleasure ; and it was found, that, when the wires 

 were 1. 45 inches asunder, 53 measures of gas were obtained in 

 8 minutes ; at the distance of 2. 8, 26 ; and at 4. 3, 16. Now 

 multiplying each product by its corresponding distance, we obtain 

 76. 8, 72. 4, and 70. 95 ; so nearly the same, that the difference 

 may be safely referred to the error of observation. If then water 

 and other similar fluids conduct electricity, at low intensities, differ- 

 ently from metals, and only by a succession of spontaneous dis- 

 charges, we may consider them as non-conductors ; and, applying 

 the theory of charged electrics to the plates of acid media, which 

 are elements of the pile, by it and an unquestionable datum, namely, 

 that electricity is evolved, whenever two bodies ai'e connected, one of 

 which is undergoing chemical change, we may investigate the action 

 of this instrument, which is still so obscure. I have attempted this, 

 and have obtained formulas, which represent tolerably the pheno- 

 mena ; bvit I dare not confide in them till they are verified by fur- 

 ther experiments. Foi-, in physical researches, we cannot pi'oceed 

 as in questions of pure geometry ; where a few abstract principles 

 are sufficient to open a path, which leads to the most sublime 

 discoveries. In this more difficult field, even the transcendent 

 powers of Bernouilli and Euler have been foiled ; and their unsuc- 

 cessful efforts have enabled the enemies of this exalted science to 

 ridiculeits application to such inquiries.* 



* See Euler's Theoria Navalis, his paper on the Strength of Materials, and others ; — 

 where, with the most wonderful display of analysis tlie conclusions are of no practical value, 

 as they are drawn from insufficient data. 



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