Classics of modern science : $b (Copernicus to Pasteur)
History
Classics of modern science : $b (Copernicus to Pasteur)
Science; Science -- History
“If a wire, connected at both extremities with a galvanometer,
be coiled in the form of a helix around a magnet, no current of
electricity takes place in it. This is an experiment which has been
made by various persons hundreds of times, in the hope of evolving
electricity from magnetism, and in other cases in which the wishes of
the experimenter and the facts are opposed to each other, has given
rise to very conflicting conclusions. But if the magnet be withdrawn
from or introduced into such a helix, a current of electricity is
produced whilst the magnet is in motion, and is rendered evident by
the deflection of the galvanometer. If a single wire be passed by a
magnetic pole, a current of electricity is induced through it which
can be rendered sensible.”
Before having any knowledge of the method given in the above account, I
had succeeded in producing electrical effects in the following manner,
which differs from that employed by Mr. Faraday, and which appears to
me to develop some new and interesting facts. A piece of copper wire,
about thirty feet long and covered with elastic varnish, was closely
coiled around the middle of the soft iron armature of the galvanic
magnet described in Vol. XIX of the _American Journal of Science_,
and which, when excited, will readily sustain between six hundred and
seven hundred pounds. The wire was wound upon itself so as to occupy
only about one inch of the length of the armature which is seven inches
in all. The armature, thus furnished with the wire, was placed in its
proper position across the ends of the galvanic magnet, and there
fastened so that no motion could take place. The two protecting ends
of the helix were dipped into two cups of mercury, and there connected
with a distant galvanometer by means of two copper wires, each about
forty feet long. This arrangement being completed, I stationed myself
near the galvanometer and directed an assistant at a given word to
immerse suddenly, in a vessel of dilute acid, the galvanic battery
attached to the magnet. At the instant of immersion, the north end
of the needle was deflected 30° to the west, indicating a current
of electricity from the helix surrounding the armature. The effect,
however, appeared only as a single impulse, for the needle, after a few
oscillations, resumed its former undisturbed position in the magnetic
meridian, although the galvanic action of the battery, and consequently
the magnetic power, was still continued. I was, however, much surprised
to see the needle suddenly deflected from a state of rest to about 20°
to the east, or in a contrary direction when the battery was withdrawn
from the acid, and again deflected to the west when it was re-immersed.
This operation was repeated many times in succession, and uniformly
with the same result, the armature the whole time remaining immovably
attached to the poles of the magnet, no motion being required to
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