incuts an il^t JUgibitir oi Cljuins. 



By Pkofkskok, W. H-AMSAY, Ph.T). 



(Abnlract of Loclure (jiven January 1 Vli,, 1.<S8().) 



ri^llil'jSE experiments sliowed tlio rigidity of matter in 

 -L motion. A rapid rotary motion being given to an 

 endless chain by )no;iiis of a pulley over wliich tlio chain 

 is Rnspendcd, it is seen that the chain resists any effort 

 to change its foi-m ; and convorsoly, if its form bo changed, 

 it retains the altered form foi' some time, slowly resuming 

 its original appearance, however, under the sustained pull 

 of gravitation. Among other experiments, the propagation 

 of waves, and in particular of the complicated form of 

 wave produced by a bend or kink in the chain, was ex- 

 hibited ; and by supporting the chain on a smootli surface, 

 while pressing it between two revolving pulleys, the chain 

 was caused to stand on end, ea,ch liidi being shot into the 

 air on i)assing between the pulleys. 



