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

386 OF MATTER, MIND, AND SPIRIT.the axis, arc jerked out of the normal position with an inconceivable quickness,the discharge, however, not affecting successive parts of the lengthabsolutely at oucc, but successively; so that there is a time required furthe process, however inconceivably minute it may appear to us. Theeffect upon the filaments of filings, at the different ends of the wire, areperfectly simultaneous, and the effect analogous, but different in this respect,that the positive poles are presented externally at one end, the negativeat the other, so that, when the polarizing affections meet at an intermediatepoint within the wire, neutrality ensues.1880. Thus it will be perceived that no current passes through thewire, any more than the water which is seen to form a w'ave, on one sideof a lake, passes with the wave which is seen apparently to proceed to theother side. Notoriously, in this case, nothing passes but the momentum,which is successively imparted to successive portions of the interveningwater ;so, in the galvanic discharge, successive portions of the interveningwire are affected by the original disturbing jerks, of which the powerpasses from each portion to that next beyond it, just as the momentum inthe case of the aqueous wave.1881. Upon these considerations I hold myself as warranted in callingthe affections of the wire, as described, leaves of polarization, not that theaffection of the wire has the smallest similitude to that with which waterproduces waves, but that, in both cases, there is a successive communicationof a property. It is well known that there is this analogy in the two cases;in either, opposite waves, on due meeting, produce reciprocal neutrality.1882. The neutralization of the electro-polarity induced upon thecharged conductors (1867) by touching both at the same time by a conductingrod, is effected in some degree analogously to the process in the voltaicdischarge ; since waves of opposite polarization are produced at each extremity,and, rushing toward an intermediate point, arc neutralized bymeeting. But the polarization in the case of the conductors, as has beenstated, (1874,) is superficial, and extends not only to the surfaces of theconductors, but likewise to the surrounding ether and air, and does notlaffect the ponderable atoms of the wire unless the charge be too great topass in this superficial manner. In that case, being condensed upon thewire to a state of great intensity, it causes a polarization of the atomscomposing it,similar to that of the voltaic discharge, though less durable.1883. From the preceding exposition it follows that the conduction andinsulation of that species of electricity which is excited by an electricalmachine or other frictional processes, exists upon the superficies of insulatedmasses, or that of the circumambient particles of the air or ether.This frictional electricity likewise passes preferably over the surfaces ofconductors, so that the moistened surfiice of glass, or other non-conductors,conveys it with enormous facility. It is notorious, that when the air ismoist, electrical machines are paralyzed. But this cannot be in conse-