1883.] Theory of Magnetism based on New Researches. 185 



and distribution of magnetic polarity exactly the same as its total 

 evident magnetism when noticed upon a steel bar magnet. 



2. That each molecule can be rotated in either direction upon 

 its axis by torsion, stress, or by physical forces, such as magnetism and 

 electricity. 



3. That the inherent polarity or magnetism of each molecule is a 

 constant quantity like gravity ; that it can neither be augmented nor 

 destroyed. 



4. That when we have external neutrality, or no apparent magne- 

 tism, the molecules and their polarities arrange themselves so as to- 

 satisfy their mutual attraction by the shortest path, and thus form a 

 complete closed circuit of attraction. 



5. That when magnetism becomes evident, the molecules and their 

 polarities have all rotated symmetrically in a given direction, pro- 

 ducing a north pole if rotated in this direction as regards the piece of 

 steel, or a south pole if rotated in the opposite direction. Also, that 

 in evident magnetism, we have still a symmetrical arrangement, but 

 one whose circles of attraction are not completed except through an 

 external armature joining both poles. 



Experimental Evidences. 



If in the induction balance already described we place an iron strip 

 1 or 2 centims. in width by -J millim. thickness, and pass rapid 

 intermittent currents through it by means of the rheotome I, there is 

 no induced current upon the coil D, as long as this strip, rod, or iron 

 wire is entirely free from torsion, but the instant we apply the 

 slightest torsion upon it by means of its key C, a very strong induced 

 current in the coil gives loud tones in the telephone, whicli we can 

 reduce to zero, and measure by the compensating coil E. 



The phenomenon has this remarkable character : that a torsion of 

 but 3-^-0 part of a complete turn suffices to rotate the molecules to 

 so great an extent as to be almost at the maximum of rotation that 

 can be produced by torsion. I have demonstrated in previous papers* 

 the phenomenon of molecular rotation, and that the induced currents 

 so obtained are not direct from the central rod or wire to the coil, as 

 the wires of the coil are perpendicular to the strip or rod of iron, and 

 consequently at the zero of inductive effect ; the induction from the 

 central core upon the coil takes place through the medium of the 

 rotated molecules whose angular displacement allows its reaction, both 

 upon the coil and its central conducting strip, rod, or iron wire ; a> 

 similar effect would take place if, instead of the rotated molecules,, 

 numerous oblong pieces of iron were rotated to a similar angle upon 

 the conducting rod of iron. The induction or reaction of these could 



* " Proc. Roy. Soc," vol. 31, p. 525 ; vol. 32, pp. 25, 213, 1881. 



