~ 
348 Dr. Hare on the Theories of Electrical Phenomena. 
attraction for the ethereo-ponderable particles composing the wire 
has the opposite effect, and tends to derange these from their nor- 
mal polar state of quiescence. Commensurate with the extent 
in which this state is subverted, is the resulting heat, electrolytic 
power, and electro-magnetic influence. The phenomena last 
mentioned, are, however secondary effects consequent to the palr 
ticipation of the ethereo-ponderable matter in the undulations re- 
sulting from the statical discharge. 
44. Such effects, making allowance for the extreme minute- 
ness of the time occupied by the process, are probably, in all 
statical discharge, are not commensurate with the intensity of 
the affection of the wire. 
. There is, in fact, this additional reason for the diversity 
between the electro-magnetic power of a statical discharge, as 
compared with that of the voltaic series: any wire which is of 
sufficient length and tenuity to display the maximum power 0 
a e former, cannot serve for the same purpose In 
the case of the latter. Moreover, the form of a helix closely 
wound, so that the coatings may touch, which is that most fav- 
orable for the reiteration of the magnetic influence of the circuit 
upon an iron rod, cannot be adopted in the case of statical dis- 
charges of high intensity, since the proximity of the circumvolu- 
tions would enable the ethereal waves, notwithstanding the inter- 
position of cotton or silk, to.cross superficially from one to the 
other, parallel to the axis of the included iron, instead of pursuing 
the circuitous channel afforded by the helix with the mtensity 
requisite to the polarization of the ponderable atoms. 
The extreme diversity, as respects striking distance, between the 
direct effects of Frictional Electricity and those directly arising 
Jrom Galvanic Reaction. 
46. The intensity of the excitement produced by different 
electrical machines, is estimated to be as the relative lengths of 
the sparks which proceed from their prime conductors respective 
y- Admitting that the relative intensity were merely as the 
length of the spark, not as the square of that length, still there 
would be an infinite difference between the intensity of a voltaie 
series and that of electrical machines, if measured by this test. 
Large electrical machines, like that at the Polytechnic Institution, 
London, give sparks at twenty inches and more; while, agreeably 
to Gassiott’s experiments, a Grove’s battery of 320 pairs, in ful 
power, would not, before contact, give a spark at any distance, 
