MAGNECRYSTALLIC FORCE— ITS NATURE AND PECULIARITIES. 
25 
governs the final position of the body, or of any of the bodies whose movements are 
due to the same cause (260/.). 
2562. This force then is distinct in its character and effects from the magnetic 
and diamagnetic forms of force. On the other hand, it has a most manifest relation 
to the crystalline structure of the bismuth and other bodies ; and therefore to the 
molecules, and to the power by which these molecules are able to build up the crys- 
talline masses. It appears to me impossible to conceive of the results in any other 
way than by a njutual reaction of the magnetic force, and the force of the particles 
of the crystal on each other : and this leads the mind to another conclusion, namely, 
that as far as they can act on each other they partake of a like nature ; and brings, 
I think, fresh help for the solution of that great problem in the philosophy of mole- 
cular forces, which assumes that they all have one common origin (2146.). 
2563. Whether we consider a crystal or a particle of bismuth, its polarity has a 
very extraordinary character, as compared with the polarity of a particle in the ordi- 
nary magnetic state, or when compared with any other of the dual conditions cf 
physical force ; for the opposite poles have like characters ; as is shown first of all 
by the diametral pointing of the masses (2461.), and also by the physical characters 
and relations of crystals generally. As the molecules lie in the mass of a crystal, 
therefore, they can in no way represent, or be represented by, the condition of a 
parcel of iron filings between the poles of a magnet, or the particles of iron in the 
keeper when in its place ; for these have poles of dijferent names and quality adhering 
together, and so giving a sort of structure ; whereas, in the crystal, the mole- 
cules have poles of like nature towards each other, for, so to say, all the poles are 
alike. 
2564. As made manifest by the phenomena, the magnecrystallic force is a force 
acting at a distance; for the crystal is moved by the magnet at a distance (2556. 
2574 .), and the crystal also can move the magnet at a distance. To produce the 
latter result, I converted a steel bodkin, about three inches long, into a magnet ; and 
then suspended it perpendicularly by a single cocoon filament four inches long, from a 
small horizontal rod, which again was suspended by its centre and another length of 
cocoon filament, from a fixed point of support. In this manner the bodkin was free 
to move on its own axis, and could also describe a circle about IJ inch in diameter; 
and the latter motion was not hindered by any tendency of the needle to point under 
the earth’s influence, because it could take any position in the circle and yet remain 
parallel to itself. 
2565. A support perfectly free from magnetic action was constructed of glass rod 
and copper wire, which passing through the bottom of the stand, and being in the 
prolongation of the upper axis of motion, was concentric with the circle which the 
little magnet could describe ; its height was such that it could sustain a crystal or 
any other substance level with the pole at the lower end of the needle, and in the 
centre of the small circle in which the latter could revolve around it. By moving 
the lower end of the support, the upper end also could be made to approach to or 
MDCCCXLIX. E 
