GEOLOGY. 169 



With zinc the other metals become negative, because it 

 can be nothing else than positive, as sulphur can be none 

 other than negative. (That this does not hold good 

 absolutely, we need scarcely be reminded). 



816. Two fixations of electricity thus exist, and from 

 these the electric phenomena must be derived. So long 

 as we imagine that electrical proportions run in a con- 

 tinuous line, so long shah 1 we never be able to avoid con- 

 tradictions. Two rods stand firmly, and from out and 

 around these two heaps of bodies form, which in refer- 

 ence to their electrical relation (according to the experi- 

 ments hitherto performed) are naturally exhibited as only 

 one series. 



817. Sulphur does not stand alone, but is associated 

 with a series, especially of the higher Inflammables, bitu- 

 mens or mineral-resins, aetherial oils and hydrogen gas. 

 The higher the inflammability ascends, by so much the 

 more energetic is the negative character, so that, finally, 

 the sulphur itself becomes positive towards such 

 matters. 



818. If in every polar action it can be proved, that 

 each polar line consists of infinitely numerous poles, and 

 that each point in it can be alternately changing both pola- 

 rities, in accordance with the mutation of the principal poles 

 that exert their influence ; so is it in electricity. There 

 is scarcely a single body which cannot be positive as well 

 as negative, if it only becomes displaced in its own series, 

 or is transported into the other. 



b. COAL. 



819. During the electrical separation of the Basic of 

 the earth, or during the communication of the aerial cha- 

 racter to the Earthy, a body remains behind with posi- 

 tive character, or the Coal. 



820. Coal may be regarded as volatilized metal, as a 

 metal which can change by the action of water or acid 

 upon it into air. Black-lead is a coal, which is directly 

 associated with the metals. 



821. Coal appears therefore less in particular places, 



