448 Dr. L. Bleekrode on the Electric Conductivity 



decisive for the conclusion that this gas (which when dissolved 

 in water is one of the best conductors) opposes when liquefied 

 by condensation a formidable resistance to an extraordinarily 

 intense galvanic current, and is not sensibly decomposed 

 by it. 



VI L Cyanogen. — The current from 3240 cells produced no 

 effect on the liquefied gas. With 5640 cells the vibrations 

 were very apparent, and the same difference between the 

 negative and the positive electrode was observed as in the case 

 of benzol : the liquid ran up the wire when it was connected 

 with the positive pole. No polarization could be detected. 



VIII. Zinc-ethyl. — In this liquid vibrations were excited by 

 3240 cells. They were especially distinct when 5640 celis 

 were employed ; and at the same time the temperature of the 

 fluid was sensibly raised. Afterwards we detected a current 

 caused by polarization of the electrodes, which produced a 

 deflection of 5 divisions on the scale. We have consequently 

 reason to conclude that electrolytic action took place, which 

 may therefore be accompanied by vibratory motions, although 

 for this a very powerful current is requisite. 



IX. Benzol. — The previously mentioned experiment (III.) 

 with benzol was repeated, in order to ascertain, if possible, 

 whether a galvanic current could pass through a compound 

 without electrolysis. The entire series of 8040 cells was now 

 employed ; and the discharge was accompanied by sparks be- 

 tween the electrodes. A copious deposit of carbonaceous 

 matter coloured the liquid ; so that another tube had to be 

 prepared, in which the electrodes were separated by a greater 

 distance. The current was maintained during two minutes : 

 there was no spark ; but the liquid was in continual vibration, 

 indicating the transmission of electricity. Afterwards, how- 

 ever, not the slightest polarization-current could be detected 

 by the galvanometer ; and the electrodes had remained per- 

 fectly clean. It must nevertheless be remarked that, with 

 extremely badly conducting liquids, the absence of a galvano- 

 metric indication of a polarization-current does not permit 

 the conclusion that absolutely no electrolysis has taken place ; 

 for the great resistance of the benzol, which had to overcome 

 the current of the entire battery, so much diminished the in- 

 tensity of the latter that it could only produce a deflection of 

 about 55 divisions on the scale of the sensitive Thomson 

 galvanometer ; and the feeble current that may have re- 

 sulted from polarization, being opposed by the same resistance 

 in the liquid, would therefore be unable to act on the gal- 

 vanometer. 



When the same current was transmitted through pure water, 



