ELECTROLYTIC CONDUCTION OR DISCHARGE. 93 



charge the contiguous polarized particles of the body are able to effect a neutraliza- 

 tion of their forces with greater or less facility, as the silk does also in a very slight 

 degree. Further we are not able to carry the parallel, except in imagination ; but if 

 we could divide each particle of silk into two halves, and let each half travel until it 

 met and united with the next half in an opposite state, it would then exert its carry- 

 ing power (1347.), and so far represent electrolytic discharge. 



1351. Admitting that electrolytic discharge is a consequence of previous induction, 

 then how evidently do its numerous cases point to induction in curved lines (1216.), 

 and to the divergence or lateral action of the lines of inductive force (1231.), and so 

 strengthen that part of the general argument in the former paper ! If two balls of 

 platina, forming the electrodes of a voltaic battery, are put into a large vessel of di- 

 lute sulphuric acid, the whole of the surfaces are covered with the respective gases 

 in beautifully regulated proportions, and the mind has no difficulty in conceiving the 

 direction of the curved lines of discharge, and even the intensity of force of the dif- 

 ferent lines, by the quantity of gas evolved upon the different parts of the surface. 

 Hence the general effects of diffusion ; the appearance of the anions or cathions 

 round the edges and on the further side of the electrodes when in the form of plates; 

 the manner in which the current or discharge will follow all the forms of the elec- 

 trolyte, however contorted. Hence the effects which Nobili has so well examined 

 and described* in his papers on the distribution of currents in conducting masses. 

 All these effects indicate the direction of the currents or discharges which occur in 

 and through the dielectrics, and these are in every case preceded by equivalent in- 

 ductive actions of the contiguous particles. 



1352. Hence also the advantage, when the exciting forces are weak or require as- 

 sistance, of enlarging the mass of the electrolyte ; of increasing the size of the elec- 

 trodes ; of making the coppers surround the zincs : — all is in harmony with the view 

 of induction which I am endeavouring to examine ; I do not perceive as yet one fact 

 against it. 



1353. There are many points oi electrolytic discharge which ultimately will require 

 to be very closely considered, though I can but slightly touch upon them. It is not 

 that, as far as I have investigated them, they present any contradiction to the view 

 taken (for I have carefully, though unsuccessfully, sought for such cases), but simply 

 want of time as yet to pursue the inquiry, which prevents me from entering upon 

 them here. 



1354. One point is, that different electrolytes or dielectrics require different initial 

 intensities for their decomposition (912.). This may depend upon the degree of polar- 

 ization which the particles require before electrolytic discharge commences. It 

 is in direct relation to the chemical affinity of the substances concerned ; and will 

 probably be found to have a relation or analogy to the specific inductive capacity of 

 different bodies (1252. 1296.). It thus promises to assist in causing the great truths 



* Biblintheque Universelle, 1835, lix. 263. 416. 



