THE ELECTRO-TONIC STATE. 
139 
ful reasons for believing that the action is the same in both cases; but, as a 
distinction in language is still necessary, I propose to call the agency thus ex¬ 
erted by ordinary magnets, magneto-electric, or magnelectric induction (26.). 
59. The only difference which powerfully strikes the attention as existing 
between volta-electric and magneto-electric induction, is the suddenness of the 
former and the sensible time required by the latter; but even in this early state 
of investigation there are circumstances which seem to indicate, that upon 
further inquiry this difference will, as a philosophical distinction, disappear (68.). 
(s. 3. New Electrical State or Condition of Matter*. 
60. Whilst the wire is subject to either volta-electric or magneto-electric 
induction, it appears to be in a peculiar state ; for it resists the formation of an 
electrical current in it, whereas, if in its common condition, such a current 
would be produced; and when left uninfluenced it has the power of origi¬ 
nating a current, a power which the wire does not possess under common cir¬ 
cumstances. This electrical condition of matter has not hitherto been recog¬ 
nised, but it probably exerts a very important influence in many if not most of 
the phenomena produced by currents of electricity. For reasons which will 
immediately appear ( 71 .), I have, after advising with several learned friends, 
ventured to designate it as the electro-tonic state. 
61. This peculiar condition shows no known electrical effects whilst it con¬ 
tinues; nor have I yet been able to discover any peculiar powers exerted, or 
properties possessed, by matter whilst retained in this state. 
62. It shows no reaction by attractive or repulsive powers. The various ex¬ 
periments which have been made with powerful magnets upon such metals as 
copper, silver, and generally those substances not magnetic, prove this point; 
for the substances experimented upon, if electrical conductors, must have 
acquired this state ; and yet no evidence of attractive or repulsive powers has 
been observed. I have placed copper and silver discs, very delicately sus- 
* This section having been read at the Royal Society and reported upon, and having also, in conse¬ 
quence of a letter from myself to M. Haciiette, been noticed at the French Institute, I feel bound to 
let it stand as part of the paper; but later investigations (intimated 73. 76. 77.) of the laws governing 
these phenomena, induce me to think that the latter can be fully explained without admitting the elec¬ 
tro-tonic state. My views on this point will appear in the second series of these researches.—M. F. 
