256: Oiservations and Experiments concerning - 
brought into similar states, it is certain that they must re- 
pel-each other. But it is equally certain. that ‘they must 
both be repelled from the polar wire, for it is also in aysi- 
milar state. ‘The elements should new be attracted over 
to the other pole. The same thing taking place at the latter 
pole, the elements there separated ought i in the same man- 
ner to be attracied to the opposite pole. During the whole, 
the repulsion of the one pole is aided by the attraction of 
the other. Applying this to a particular example, suppose 
to sulphate of potash; we know that potash is naturally in 
the positive state: when the sulphuric acid is rendered po- 
sitive by the electricity thrown my) the.two substances will 
repel, each other ; but both will be repelled from the posi- 
tive and attracted.to. the negative wire. The same change 
is produced by the negative wire; in consequence of which, 
acid auid-alkalu.will beatiracted tothe positive wire. Thus 
we should have both elements in a separate state collected 
round each of the polar wires. If this be followed up, we 
shall find that the two bodics cannot rest for any length of 
time at ether pole, constantly a requiring similar states ;—on 
which account an endless series. of attractions and repul- 
sions will ensue, These effects happen; if the substances 
in different states be supposed to pass each other without 
union. If they do not pass, the two substances should 
combine, and neither acid nor alkali should be found per- 
manently at either pole. 
\ It bas been shown that Mr. Davy’s first assumption of 
ttdice combining sull retaining their peculiar energies, 18 
unfounded ; and that after consbindtion there no longer re- 
mains any electricity. There is then no reason why elec- 
tricity thrown in should exert an electrie attraction to the 
one, more than. to the other element; or why a sensible 
electricity may not be diffused over a particle of a com- 
pound, without causing a repulsion of its elements. The 
repulsion should rather be supposed between the ultimate 
particles of the compound, than between those of its ele- 
ments. 
It now arly remains to notice the insufficiency of Mr. 
Davy’s explanation* of the influence of quantity on decom- 
position. Selecting the instance of the partial decomposi- 
tion of sulphate of soda by muriatic acid, let us examine 
how far this could be produced by electric attraction. Mu- 
riatic acid and soda are held together by an affinity which 
‘For the combined effect of many particles possessing a fecble energy 
may be conceived equal, or even superior, to the effect of a few particles 
possessing a strong electrical energy.”—-Davy’s Bakerian Lecture. 
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