A History of the Theories of Aether and Electricity from the Age of Descartes to the Close of the Nineteenth Century |
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Common terms and phrases
aether assumed atoms attraction axis bodies cathode chemical circuit conductor connexion constant crystal curl denotes Descartes diamagnetic dielectric direction discovery displacement distance effect elastic solid electric charge electric current electric force electrified electrode electrolyte electromagnetic electromotive force electrostatic energy experiments Faraday Faraday's Fitz Gerald formula Fresnel heat Helmholtz Hertz Huygens hypothesis incident interface investigation J. J. Thomson Leyden jar lines of force lines of magnetic longitudinal waves magnetic field magnetic force Math matter Maxwell Maxwell's medium memoir metals molecules moving observed obtained oscillations parallel particles phenomena Phil Phys plane of polarization ponderomotive forces potential principle Proc proportional quantity rays reflexion refraction refractive index represented result right angles rotation solution space sphere substance supposed surface term Thomson Trans tubes unit volume vector velocity of light velocity of propagation vibrations voltaic wave-front waves Weber wire zero дх
Popular passages
Page 395 - Now the most startling result of Faraday's law Is perhaps this. If we accept the hypothesis that the elementary substances are composed of atoms, we cannot avoid concluding that electricity also, positive as well as negative, is divided into definite elementary portions, which behave like atoms of electricity.
Page 216 - ... if a particle of each kind of matter were placed in the magnetic field, both would become magnetic, and each would have its axis parallel to the resultant of magnetic force passing through it ; but the particle of magnetic matter would have its north and south poles opposite...
Page 198 - According to it, the equivalent weights of bodies are simply those quantities of them which contain equal quantities of electricity, or have naturally equal electric powers; it being the ELECTRICITY which determines the equivalent number, because it determines the combining force. Or, if we adopt the atomic theory or phraseology, then the atoms of bodies which are equivalents to each other in their ordinary chemical action have equal quantities of electricity naturally associated with them.
Page 16 - To the same degree of Refrangibility ever belongs the same colour, and to the same colour ever belongs the same degree of Refrangibility.
Page 54 - The power of gravity is of a different nature from the power of magnetism; for the magnetic attraction is not as the matter attracted. Some bodies are attracted more by the magnet; others less; most bodies not at all. The power of magnetism in one and the same body may be increased and diminished; and is sometimes far stronger, for the quantity of matter, than the power of gravity; and in receding from the magnet decreases not in the duplicate but almost in the triplicate proportion of the distance,...
Page 199 - Or, if we adopt the atomic theory or phraseology, then the atoms of bodies which are equivalents to each other in their ordinary chemical action, have equal quantities of electricity naturally associated with them. But I must confess I am jealous of the term atom ; for though it is very easy to talk of atoms, it is very difficult to form a clear idea of their nature, especially when compound bodies are under consideration.
Page 31 - Let him also tell me, how an electrick Body can by Friction emit an Exhalation so rare and subtile, and yet so potent, as by its Emission to cause no sensible Diminution of the weight of the electrick Body, and to be expanded through a Sphere, whose Diameter is above two Feet, and yet to be able to agitate and carry up Leaf Copper, or Leaf Gold, at the distance of above a Foot from the electrick Body?
Page 402 - The assumption of a state of matter more finely subdivided than the atom of an element is a somewhat startling one : but a hypothesis that would involve somewhat similar consequences . . . viz. that the so-called elements are compounds of some primordial element . . . has been put forward from time to time by various chemists.
Page 219 - ... 2837- If the idea of conduction be applied to these magnecrystallic bodies, it would seem to satisfy all that requires explanation in their special results. A magnecrystallic substance would then be one which in the crystallized state could conduct onwards, or permit the exertion of the magnetic force with more facility in one direction than another ; and that direction would be the magnecrystallic axis. Hence, when in the magnetic field, the magnecrystallic axis would be urged into a position...
Page 51 - ... the squares of the distances] ; since it is easily demonstrated, that were the earth in the form of a shell, a body in the inside of it would not be attracted to one side more than another ?