84 



Dr. G. Gore. 



two solutions of equal conductivity but of different specific gravities.) 

 The layers of liquid on each side of each meniscus are manifestly 

 results of electrolysis, and the lines are probably due to them; but 

 why a line should originate in the midst of a homogeneous liquid, at a 

 distance from a definite meniscus and approach (or be approached by) 

 the meniscus, and merge into it, I have not ascertained. Sometimes, 

 however, the lines separate from the meniscus (see Experiment No. 40). 



Although the chain of conducting particles from one metallic elec- 

 trode to the other was as perfect with the two liquids as with one, 

 there existed a difference of conditions at the surfaces of liquid contact 

 to those existing in the mass, and one effect of this variation is a 

 sudden difference of resistance to electric transfer at that locality. As 

 also the amount of electric diffusion is greater when the current passes 

 in one direction than in the other in experiments of electric osmose, we 

 may reasonably predict as probable that the conduction resistance to 

 currents of opposite direction passing through such an arrangement 

 would be similarly unequal. It is probable also that the amounts of 

 this per saltum resistance and difference of resistance, would vary with 

 every different pair of liquids. These are subjects of further investi- 

 gation. 



As a perfect meniscus acts to some extent as an electrode, an imper- 

 fect one must do the same, though in a less degree. The positive one 

 (or that below the cathode) acts more perfectly in this respect than 

 one below an anode, because the action of electrolysis tends to main- 

 tain it, and even make it more definite. It would further appear that 

 every inequality of composition, or of internal structure of the liquid 

 in the path of the current must also act to some extent as an electrode ; 

 and if this be correct, not only the meniscus proper, but also the 

 surfaces of the layers of acid and basic products of electrolysis next the 

 masses of the two solutions must also act in like manner ; but this is 

 only a supposition for future examination. 



As I have not been able to obtain any visible lines or movements of 

 the liquids with an electric current of insufficient power to produce 

 electrolysis, and electrolysis will reasonably account for several of the 

 phenomena, I conclude that electrolysis is not merely a concomitant 

 circumstance, but acts also as a cause. 



The converse phenomena, viz., the influence of electric currents on 

 the diffusion of liquids, has been made the subject of separate experi- 

 ments ("Electric Currents produced by Liquid Diffusion and Osmose," 

 " Proc. Roy. Soc," vol. 31, p. 296). 



I have not searched for any new action of magnetism upon the phe- 

 nomena of lines, movements of liquids, &c. 



14. Influence of Chemical Action. 

 As purely chemical action appears to be only a coincident and not a 



