634 EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF THE 
assumed when at rest directly between the north 
and south poles of powerful magnets, were invari- 
ably at right angles to a right line joining those 
poles; and, consequently, at right angles, relative 
to the magnetic forces, or to the position in which 
the needles of Coulomb rested. From the results 
afforded by the experiments of M. Becquerel, 
that philosopher has been led to consider that the 
effects produced by a strong magnet on a magnetic 
needle, or on soft iron, differ essentially from 
those which take place in all bodies whose original 
magnetism is very weak. In the former the 
magnetic axis of each is arranged in its length ; 
but in the latter class of bodies the magnetic axis 
becomes arranged transversely. M. Becquerel 
shows, however, that wooden needles assume 
different positions, with respect to the magnetic 
poles, according to the distance at which they are 
placed from them.* 
12. In a paper by Dr. Faraday, read before 
the Royal Society of London, in January last, it 
is stated, that a variety of bodies, bismuth being 
the most eminent in this respect, arrange them- 
selves, with regard to powerful magnetic poles, 
* Traité Experimental de I Electricité et du Magnetisme. 
Tom. II, p. 387. 
