646 JAMES CLERK MAXWELL. 



But with your splendid roundabout 



Of mighty power, new-hung and greasy, 



With galvanometer so stout, 



A new research would be as easy ; 



A test which might perchance disclose, 



Which way the electric current flows. 



Take then a coil of copper pure, 

 And fix it on your whirling table ; 



Place the electrodes firm and sure 

 As near the axis as you're able, 



And soon you'll learn the way to work it, 



With galvanometer in circuit. 



Not while the coil in spinning sleeps, 

 On her smooth axle swift and steady ; 



But when against the stops she sweeps, 

 To watch the light-spot then be ready, 



That you may learn from its deflexion 



The electric current's true direction. 



It may be that it does not move, 



Or moves but for some other reason ; 



Then let it be your boast to prove 



(Though some may think it out of season, 



And worthy of a fossil Druid), 



That there is no Electric Fluid. 



KEPORT ON TALI'S LECTURE ON FORCE: B.A., 1876, 



YE British Asses, who expect to hear 

 Ever some new thins 1 , 



O^ 



I've nothing new to tell, but what, I fear, 



May be a true thing. 

 For Tait comes with his plummet and his line, 



Quick to detect your 

 Old bosh new dressed in what you call a fine 



Popular lecture. 



