MAGNETISM OF OASES. .259 



iu virtue of some law of magnetic force. The crystal, 

 too, of quartz, which we break out of the mass, and 

 which presents to us a beautifully regular figure, is, be- 

 yond a doubt, so formed, because the atoms of silica are 

 each one impelled in obedience to one of these two con- 

 ditions of magnetism to set themselves in a certain order 

 to each other, which cannot be altered by human force 

 without destruction. 



All the laws which regulate the forms of crystals and 

 amorphous bodies are, to the greatest degree, simple. 

 In nature the end is ever attained by the easiest means ; 

 and the complexity of operation, which appears some- 

 times to the observer, is only so because he cannot see 

 the spring by which the machine is moved. 



The gaseous envelope, our atmosphere, is in a neutral 

 state. Oxygen is strikingly magnetic in relation to 

 hydrogen gas, whilst nitrogen is as singularly the con- 

 trary ; and the same contrasts present themselves when 

 these gases are examined in their relation to common 

 air. Thus, oxygen being magnetic, and nitrogen the 

 contrary, we have an equilibrium established, and the 

 result is a compound neutral in its relations to all 

 matter. All gases and vapours are found to be dia- 

 magnetic, but in different degrees.* This is shown by 

 passing a stream of the gas, rendered visible by a little 

 smoke, within the influence of a powerful magnet. 



-' A. few examples taken from Dr. Faraday's paper will show 

 this : 



Nitrogen being acted on was manifestly diamagnetic in relation 

 to common air when both were of the same temperature. Oxygen 

 appears to be magnetic in common air. Hydrogen proved to be 

 clearly and even strongly diamagnetic. Its diamagnetic state shows, 

 in a striking point of view, that gases, like solids, have peculiar 

 and distinctive degrees of diamagnetic force. Carbonic acid gas 

 is diamagnetic in air. Carbonic oxide was carefully freed from 

 carbonic acid before it was used, and it appears to be more dia- 

 magnetic than carbonic acid. Nitrous oxide was moderately, but 

 clearly, diamagnetic in air. Olefiant gas was diamagnetic/ The 

 coal gas of London is very well diamagnetic, and gives exceedingly 



