332 Mr R. Adie's Account of Electrical Experiments. 



earthenware vessel was next increased to 9g inches, when it was 

 found that the loss of electricity from a distance of 15 inches betwixt 

 the plates was only one half; and to produce the loss experienced 

 when the water was 1 ^- inches deep, it was necessary to separate the 

 plates 19 inches asunder. 



A pair of zinc and copper plates were attached to a bar of wood 

 14 J inches long, and connected with a galvanometer less delicate than 

 the one last used, but well calculated for observing small deviations. 

 The piece of wood was suspended with counterpoises, so that it could 

 be made to follow changes in the height of the surface of water con- 

 tained in an earthenware vessel, without interfering with the galva- 

 nometer. With this arrangement the distance betwixt the plates was 

 constant, and the sectional area of the exciting fluid increased with 

 the depth of the water. The following are the indications noted by 

 the galvanometer : — 



Plates apart. Depth of water. Deflection. 



14J inches. 1^ inches. 6° 30' 

 5\ ... 9° 10' 



9J ... 9° 50' 



Like results were obtained where both the distance betwixt the 

 plates and the depth of water was stationary, with the diameter 

 of the vessel varying. They all shew that the sectional area of 

 the exciting fluid governs the quantity of electricity lost in passing 

 betwixt the plates ; and that, with the wet materials of the earth for 

 a battery-cell, changes in distance betwixt the plates produce no 

 perceptible alteration on their action. 



The above experiments with the water-battery, which would now 

 be more correctly designated by the term oxygen-absorbing-battery, 

 will, I expect, conclude my examination of it. The subject has not 

 that direct application to useful purposes which is always so certain 

 to insure attention ; nevertheless, should the experiments submitted 

 tend to shew the nature of one of the most universal agents for pro- 

 ducing chemical actions among the varied materials on the surface of 

 the earth, their use to those engaged in the study of organic che- 

 mistry may ultimately prove them to be worthy of the expenditure 

 of time they have required. 



