396 On Dissymmetry in the Electrolytic Discharge. 



I might be allowed to point out that in a simple uniform 

 field, such as would obtain were the ebonite plates absent, the 

 magnitudes of like electrifications on analyzers in the positions 

 indicated would have been absolutely identical. It will be 

 observed, therefore, that the ebonite plates exerted an appre- 

 ciable disturbing influence. It was of course to be foreseen 

 that the direction of the lines of force would be changed, and 

 the quantity of current flowing in the immediate neighbour- 

 hood of the analyzers would be diminished by the interposition 

 of such a nonconducting plate ; but the dissimilarity in the 

 magnitudes of like electrifications, on the analyzers in the 

 corresponding parts of the field relatively to the respective 

 electrodes and sides of the plate, would appear to point to 

 the existence of dissymmetry in those particular parts of the 

 field, and, moreover, to show that this dissymmetry was pro- 

 duced by interference with the transmission of electricity by 

 the electrolyte. 



It was to be anticipated that, on reducing the amount of 

 this interference, the dissymmetry would be reduced. Such 

 was found to be the case. On taking a smaller nonconducting 

 plate the dissymmetry became less marked. 



I would now point out, first, that the general effect of inter- 

 posing a nonconducting plate as regards symmetry would 

 appear to be similar to that produced by the spreading-out of 

 the lines of force ; secondly, that the same extent of dissym- 

 metry existed near the sides of the plate in very different 

 parts of the field. This last fact shows that the phenomenon 

 is independent of any direct action of the electrodes, attractive 

 or otherwise. 



In conclusion, I would remark that the dissymmetry pointed 

 out in this paper is probably but a fresh example of the dis- 

 symmetry so common in ordinary electric discharges, and 

 that' the electrolytic field appears to possess advantages for the 

 more complete examination of this very important subject. 

 That the dissymmetry was real and primary, and not an appa- 

 rent difference brought about by secondary action of the plates, 

 would appear from the observations that the differences in the 

 magnitudes of the like electrifications were found in corre- 

 sponding parts of the field only when the lines of force were 

 thrown out of their more direct course, and also from the obser- 

 vations that differences were found immediately the current 

 passed into the electrolyte, when plates were used singly or 

 together, when copper analyzers were employed and when 

 the analyzers were of platinum (though in this case the — 

 electrifications only could be observed). 



April 30, 1883. 



