An epitome of electricity & galvanism — John Shaqi
An epitome of electricity & galvanismGreen, Jacob
History
An epitome of electricity & galvanism
Green, Jacob
Electricity -- Early works to 1850
When a shock somewhat less than is sufficient to melt a piece of metal
is sent through a chain, a black dust, in the form of smoke, is seen to
proceed from the chain. This dust is probably some of the metal itself,
partly calcined, and by the violence of the explosion forced from it. If
the chain be laid upon a piece of paper, glass, or other electric, this,
after the explosion, will be found stained with some indelible marks,
and often shew evident signs of having been burnt.
What is more remarkable in considering the effects of electricity on
metals is, that it often, in a considerable degree, revivifies their
calces or oxyds. In making experiments of this kind, the metallic calx
or oxyd is to be made a part of an electrical circuit, through which a
strong shock is to be sent: when the calx or oxyd will be found in a
measure restored to its metallic state: the electric shock having, as it
appears, taken away from the oxyd a portion of its oxygen.
The electric shock when passed through the magnetic needle, sometimes
destroys its magnetic virtue, and sometimes reverses its poles. It is
affirmed that two ships sailing together on the same voyage, were led,
from the effect of lightning on their needles, to steer exactly opposite
courses, after the storm in which they were exposed to the lightning had
subsided. When the charge of ten, eight, or even a less number of square
feet of coated glass, is sent through a sewing needle, it will often
give it polarity, so that it will traverse when laid upon water. In this
experiment it is remarkable that if the needle be lying east and west,
that end of it which communicated with the positive coating will point
towards the north; but if the needle be struck while lying north and
south, that end of it which lay towards the north, will, in any case,
point north; and the needle will acquire a stronger virtue in this than
in the former case. But if the needle be placed perpendicular to the
horizon, and the electric shock be given to either point of it, the
lower extremity will afterwards point north.
The electric explosion taken upon the leaves of certain flowers changes
their colour.
If the ball of a thermometer be placed in a strong current of
electricity, the mercury or spirit will rise several degrees.
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