236 



rent from the point through the capillary tube and water- 

 vessel to the earth. 



When the connexion with the earth was interrupted, 

 not the slightest alteration of the meniscus could be obser- 

 ved, neither when the point was negative nor when positive*), 

 nor could a transport of water upwards or downwards 

 be seen. 



The situation of the poles of the machine is determi- 

 ned as follows: 



l:o. The machine is provided with leyden-jars at 

 every pole. 



a) If one of the poles is united ivith the earth, the 

 machine tvill change its xmles every-time it is discharged, 

 (or stånd still for a little time), but will hold its poles un- 

 changed, when in continual motion. 



b) If the machine is put in motion with the dischar- 

 ging balls in contact, it will continue with the same poles, 

 even when discharged (e. g. by turning back). 



c) If the machine is put in motion, having its dischar- 

 ging balis separated, it can, by their joining, hold the poles 

 in the same direction but if, under the same circumstances 

 it is disharged, it will ordinarily change its poles. 



2:o. If the Leyden jars are absent, the machine will 

 hold its poles unchanged, if it is in connexion with the earth 

 or not 2), 



The experiments which were made at first, had 

 for their end to determine the distance between the point 

 s and the meniscus in the tube, in which dröps were for- 

 med and the interval after which it happened. 



^) A little lowering of the cap. height could indeed be observed 

 when the positive point was just above the opening of the cap. tube, 

 caused probably by the electric wind. 



^) Rare exceptions from this rule will happen when the machine 

 is put in motion after a long interval. 



