oe 
x 
Chemistry. 425 
experiments, yet when estimated by its dynamic effects on masses of 
matter, it is found to be vastly more energetic than even the mighty 
power of gravitation, which binds together the whole universe: and 
there can be no doubt that it acts a most important part in nature, and 
conduces to some great purpose of utility to the system of the earth 
and of its inhabitants. : ia 
Towards the conclusion of the paper, the author enters on theoreti- 
cal considerations suggested to him by the facts thus brought to light. 
An explanation of all the motions and other dynamic phenomena con- 
sequent on the action of magnets on diamagnetic ‘bodies, might, he 
thinks, be ‘offered on the supposition that magnetic induction causes in 
them a state the reverse of that which it produces in magnetic matter: 
that is, if a particle of each kind of matter were placed in the magnetic 
field, both would become magnetic, and each would have its axis par- 
allel to the resultant of magnetic force passing through it; but the par- 
ticle of magnetic matter would have its north and south poles opposite 
to, or facing the contrary poles of the inducing magnet ; whereas, with 
the diamagnetic particles, the reverse would obtain; and hence there 
would result, in the one substance, approximation ; in the other, reces- 
sion. On Ampére’s theory, this view would be equivalent to the sup- 
position that, as currents are induced in iron and magnetics, parallel to 
those existing in the inducing magnet or battery wire, so, in bismuth 
and other diamagneties, the currents induced are in the contrary direc- 
tion. As far as experiment yet bears upon such a notion, the inductive 
effects on masses of magnetic and diamagnetic metals are the same. 
2. Researches on the Relations of Light and Magnetism ; by M. 
Farapay, Royal Institution, Jan. 23—(Atheneum, No. 953, Jan. 31, 
1846, p. 126.)—We shall confine ourselves to the method by which 
Prof. Faraday exhibited the great fact of his researches—the rotation 
of a ray of light by magnetic force. The well known oxy-hydrogen 
light of Drummond supplied the ray. This light was so directed by an 
arrangement furnished by Mr. Darker, as to make distinctly visible, 
over the whole theatre, all the phenomena of circular polarization 
which were required to illustrate Prof. Faraday’s newly discovered 
principle. A beam of common light was shown to be separable into 
two distinct rays of polarized light; and the properties of these, and 
their relation to each other, were repeatedly demonstrated to the spec- 
tators. Such being the subject of his operations, Prof. Faraday next 
exhibited the nature and extent of the force employed to accomplish 
his results. That force is magnetism derived from an electro-magnet 
of immense size and power. The magnet used was a half link of the 
former East India moorings, surrounded by several coils of thick cop- 
per wire, and the source of electric power was Grove’s battery, about 
