2i8 Mr. Scoresby’s experiments and observations on the 
weak apparatus, or with bars not perfectly softened, such 
great effects should not be produced as by numerous repe- 
titions of the same process at different times. The proof as 
to the cause being the removal of the point of quiescence from 
that of neutrality, is, I think, quite conclusive. For in an 
experiment, (one among many to the same effect), made 
with the wire S t i, I found that when 5 blows with a hammer, 
on the compound process, with the north end of the wire 
downward (commencing when the attractive force was al- 
most totally destroyed ), gave it a lifting power of 326 grains ; 
the same nnmber of blows, with the south end down, (also 
commencing when the attractive force was very nearly neu- 
tralised), gave it only a lifting power of 2 grains. In short, 
I have raised the point of quiescence so high above the point 
of neutrality, that a long and severe hammering, south end 
of the wire downward, only destroyed the original attractive 
force, but did not produce inversion of poles. 
6. The foundation of this process for the developement of 
magnetism in steel, is the employment of such magnetism of 
large rods of iron as can be derived from juxta- position of the 
great magnet, the earth. And the high effects produced 
seem to depend on the disposition which percussion gives to 
the ferruginous particles for assuming that condition to which 
we give the name of magnetic. The iron rod employed, as 
soon as placed in a vertical position, or in the direction of the 
dipping needle, acquires polarity from the earth ; but the 
natural resistance of its particles to the state of constraint 
which it must be in when magnetic, prevents its receiving 
the full power that the earth is disposed to communicate. 
Percussion, by producing a vibration among the particles of 
