MECHANICAL ELECTRICITY. 281 



be mentioned,) the crystalline metals, bismuth, 

 iron, steel, antimony, zinc, &c. are found to be 

 the intervening polar structures, giving rise to 

 these forms of electric fluid. 



The same remarks hold good also vi^ith regard 

 to the polar condition and insulating properties, 

 (witnessed by the author,) of high pressure 

 steam in the generation of hydro-electric, and to 

 the polarizable quality of steel and iron in Electro 

 magnetic, magneto Electric, and magnetic phe- 

 nomena. 



In contemplating the known electrical phe- 

 nomena which occur by the contact of dissimilar 

 metals, and the processes of friction, pressure, 

 fracture, vaporization, &c. and witnessing the 

 eflFects which heat thus produces upon Bismuth, 

 &c. I devised the friction of this metal in a lathe, 

 as a preparatory experiment to some hereinafter 

 contained, in hopes of being able to manifest the 

 continuous transmission of Electricity from the 

 one surface to the other, as evinced by a current 

 passing through the galvanometer from or towards 

 the other extremities of the metals employed. 

 This, to my mind, would evince the origin of 

 radiant heat, the result of friction, in the me- 

 o o 



