MAGNETIC CHARACTERS OF METALS, &c. 645 
23. I have examined antimony in the same 
way, and have found some specimens magnetic, 
and many others in which magnetic action could 
not be detected. By thus operating on antimony, 
however, it would be impossible to form a correct 
idea of the magnetic, or unmagnetic state of that 
metal; because, as will appear in the sequel, of 
its masking, to a considerable extent, the mag- 
netism, of even considerable proportions, of iron, 
when the two metals form a perfect alloy. Hence, 
in order to test antimony magnetically, it 
becomes necessary to ascertain, by chemical 
processes, that it is perfectly pure, and especially 
that it is free from iron; for, although antimony 
will mask the magnetism of iron when in perfect 
union with that metal, a very trifling proportion 
of uncombined iron will render the whole mass 
apparently magnetic. By attending to these 
particulars, pure antimony will not. be found to 
display any magnetic action. (17). 
24. It is generally understood, principally I 
believe, upon the authority of Dr. Seebeck, of 
Berlin, that iron becomes “completely destitute 
of magnetic action” when alloyed with four, times 
its weight of antimony.*» This, however, does 
* Brewster’s Magnetism, page 102. 
4Q 
