198 Mr, Scoresby’s experiments and observations on the 
in view. First, to try, by a new combination of auxiliary 
rods of iron, to attain still higher degrees of magnetic energy : 
and, Secondly, to endeavour to ascertain on what circum- 
stances, as to the magnitude of the rods of iron, and the 
quality, size, and temper of the steel wires, the highest suc- 
cess of the experiment depends. 
In the experiments formerly detailed, a single rod of iron 
was used, and the steel bars or wires were hammered upon 
it, whilst both were held in a vertical position ; in which 
case the magnetism of the iron, after hammering, was em- 
ployed in aid of the power of percussion for the develope- 
ment of the magnetism of the steel bars. But the magnetism 
of the iron rods was communicated only to the lower, or 
north end of the steel bars, the polarity of the upper, or south 
end, being merely consequential. Hence it appeared pro- 
bable, that, were the steel bars or wires placed between two 
rods of iron, and thus subjected, either directly, or indirectly, 
through the medium of the upper rod, to percussion, they 
would derive the advantage of the magnetism of both rods 
of iron acting consistently, and at the same time, upon their 
northern and southern poles, so as, I apprehended, by the 
use of equal rods of iron, to double the quantity of attraction 
formerly developed in the steel. 
As, however, two long rods of iron were not so easily 
managed as a long one for below and a shorter for above, I 
prepared my rods on this plan, though with the expectation 
of sacrificing a proportion of power. 
The rods I ordered for the experiment were of the re- 
spective lengths of three feet and one foot, and an inch in 
