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XXXIV. Account of an Experiment in "which Chemical Decom- 

 position has beeti effected by the induced Magneto-electric 

 Current. By P. M.; preceded by a Letter from Michael 

 Faraday, Esq. D^C.L. F.R.S. Sfc. 



To the Editors of the Philosophical Magazine and Journal. 

 Gentlemen, 

 /^N returning to town yesterday, I found the inclosed letter : 

 ^^ it is anonymous, and I have no means of referring to its 

 author. But as it describes an experiment, in which chemical 

 decomposition is fof the first time obtained by the induced 

 magneto-electric current, I send it to you for publication, if 

 you think it worthy. 



I cannot, from the description, decide whether the effect is 

 really chemical : it may or it may not be so. A careful di- 

 stinction must at present be drawn between real chemical 

 decomposition and the mere effects of a succession of electric 

 sparks. I hope the author will describe the results in a more 

 precise manner, and corroborate them by other chemical ac- 

 tions. 



I presume the writer can have no objection to the publica- 

 tion of his letter ; and for my own part, 1 would rather avoid 

 being in exclusive possession of anonymous philosophical in- 

 formation, lest any mistakes should hereafter arise as to dates. 

 But if you publish the letter, favour me by thanking the author 

 for it. I am, Gentlemen, yours, &c. 



Royal Institution, July 27th, 183^. M. Fakaday. 



To Michael Faradny^ Esq. 

 Sir, 

 From having read in the Proceedings of the [Royal] Institu- 

 tion your interesting papers on magnetism*, I was tempted to 

 (ry an experiment, which succeeded beyond my expectations, 

 and which, if tried on a larger scale, I am in hopes would 

 prove very interesting. 



I thought that, in place of making use of one powerful 

 magnet, there would be considerably more effect (like in the 

 Voltaic pile) by having a number of smaller magnets, con- 

 nected with one wire or helix ; and also, instead of getting the 

 spark at making or breaking contact, it would be still better 

 to make the instantaneous reversal of the poles the cause. I 

 have contrived to do this in a very simple way ; and with a 



• Sec Phil. Mag. and Annals, N.S. vol. xi. p. .'50Q, 465. — Edit. 

 Third Scries. Vol. 1. No. 2. Aiirmt 1832. Y 



