222 PECULIARITIES IN THE MAGNETISM 
36. 1 believe it is generally known that the 
power of one pole of a magnet is increased by 
the application of a mass of iron to its other 
pole; but I am not aware that the other changes 
which take place in the magnet, by such treatment, 
have ever been much studied. They are, how- 
ever, important, and deserve as much attention 
as any other phenomena displayed by magnetic 
action. I will here describe some phenomena, 
of this class, which have come under my own 
observation, and they will give an idea of the 
interesting changes which take place in a magnet, 
by the approach of soft iron. 
37. In the first place I may state that, whatever 
side of a magnet be closely approached by soft 
iron, a portion of its force is employed on the 
approaching body ; whilst another portion is set 
free, and ready to operate on other magnetized, 
or magnetizable matter, properly situated within 
the sphere of its action. Hence it is, that one 
pole will suspend more iron, or produce a greater 
degree of deflection on the compass needle, when 
amass of iron approaches the other pole, than 
when no such iron is present, and when the 
approaching iron actually comes into contact with 
