Experimental investigation of the spirit manifestations, [electronic ...

380 OP MATTER, 311 ND, AND SPIRIT.It is in tills way tlmt I consider that the term wave of polarization maybe applied to an affection of matter consisting of an abnormal position ofthe poles of the constituent particles, successively induced in rows ofatoms, so as to proceed from one part of the series to the other.1853. And as two sets of waves, of which the hollows of one shouldcorrespond with the elevations of the others, would, by being associated,produce an even surface and equalization of the momentum in the aqueousliquid, so, in opposite polarities, there might be reciprocal neutralizationby the coming together of the polarities.On Electro-polarity as theCause of Electrical Phenomena.1854. Agreeably to the view which I take of the present state of ourelectrical knowledge, the phenomena designated under the name of electricityarc due entirely to a process which I designate as polarization, andthe consequences thereof. Those attractions and repulsions which havebeen found to exist between particles of matter, instead of being an endowmentof the whole mass of each particle, seem confined, as alreadysuggested, to particular terminations or spots, as we see this property on aIn the body long knownlarger scale in the loadstone or natural magnet.under this appellation, the attractive power which it exercises is displayedusually at two distinct portions of its superficies, which are called poles.When a piece of steel wire is duly rubbed by either of these poles, it acquiresa similar attractive polarity, which always appears at the extremities.When formed into an appropriate shape and freely suspended, such a wiremagnet constitutes the compass needle, having the wonderful and all-importantfaculty of arranging itself within a meridian plane, so as to bealways nearly north and south ; the same pole invariably pointing in thesame direction. The poles arc named from the quarter to which theypoint, one being called the north pole of the needle, the other the southpole. This involves that the north pole of the earth itself has nominallysouth polarity ;the south pole, north polarity.1855. When two suspended compass needles are sufficiently approximated,it will be seen that between the poles which point in the samedirection, there is repulsion; between those which point in difi'erentdirections, attraction. When the dissimilar poles are brought into contact,they adhere;and if left cohering, will continue attached for any length oftime; and while in that state of coherence, the magnetic power of thepoles thus touching, being neutralized, disappears.*1856. If two needles be laid parallel, an interval between them, the extremitiesbeing made to communicate by applying two wires of suitable* It sboukl be understood, that when two magnetic needles are associated by the contactof dissimilar poles, tbe extreme poles do not lose tlicir magnetism, although it will bomore feeble than when the needles arc independently situated.