OF FERRUGINOUS BODIES. 237 
66. I believe that neither Mr. Barlow, nor any 
other philosopher has hitherto ventured an opinion 
as to the cause of the total absence of magnetic 
action in ferruginous bodies when at a high tem- 
perature. Nor has any one, as far as I know, 
attempted to explain the cause of the exalted 
magnetic action which iron displays whilst cooling 
from that high temperature. 
67. It is well known that I have, for several 
years past, entertained the idea that the electric, 
the magnetic, and the calorific matter, are per- 
fectly distinct elements of nature; and that each 
possesses attributes peculiar to itself. Moreover, 
I am of opinion that I have proved by the clearest 
experimental evidence, that electricity differs es- 
sentially, both from the matter of heat and from 
magnetism.* And if I do not deceive myself in 
the views which I take from the results of the 
experiments detailed in this memoir, they are 
particularly favourable to the opinion which I 
have entertained respecting the distinction be- 
tween magnetism and caloric. 
* Transactions of the London Electrical Society. Also 
my Second and Third Memoirs, “ Annals of Electricity.” 
Vol. IV. 
Kk 
