380 FRAGMENTS OF SCIENCE. 



being the case proves that these molecular currents are not the mechan- 

 ism by which diamagnetic induction is effected. The consciousness of 

 this, I doubt not, drove M. Weber to the assumption that the phenomena 

 of diamagnetism are produced by molecular currents, not directed, but 

 actually excited in the bismuth by the magnet. Such induced currents 

 would, according to known laws, have a direction opposed to those of the 

 inducing magnet, and hence would produce the phenomena of repulsion. 

 To carry out the assumption here made, M. Weber is obliged to suppose 

 that the molecules of diamagnetic bodies are surrounded by channels, in 

 which the induced molecular currents, once excited, continue to flow 

 without resistance." DiG.magndis.rn and Magnc-cry&tallic Action, pp. 136, 

 137. 



