Page:Scientific Memoirs, Vol. 2 (1841).djvu/199

 Rh only six complete in the three elements. In these comparisons we find in the dip differences of 13° between calculation and observation.

If these differences are greater than are admissible in a satisfactory theory, one cannot avoid drawing the conclusion, that the magnetic conditions of the earth are not such as to admit of representation by means of a concentration in either one or two infinitely small magnets. It is not denied that with a greater number of such fictitious magnets, a sufficient agreement might be ultimately attainable; but how far such a mode of solving the problem might be advisable is quite a different question. The calculations are extremely laborious even with two magnets; with an increased number they would probably present insuperable difficulties. It will be best to abandon entirely this mode of proceeding, which reminds one involuntarily of the attempts to explain the planetary motions by continued accumulation of epicycles.

In the present treatise it is my purpose to develope the general theory of terrestrial magnetism independently of all particular hypotheses as to the distribution of the magnetic fluids in the body of the earth; and to communicate the results which I have obtained from the first application of the method. Imperfect as these results must be, they give an idea of what may be hoped for in future, when trustworthy and complete observations from all parts of the earth shall be obtained, and employed in renewed and more refined attempts.

1.

The force which at each part of the earth imparts a certain direction to a magnetic needle suspended by its centre of gravity, (supposing it free from all extraneous influence, such, for example, as that of another artificial magnet, or the conductor of a galvanic current,) is termed the earth's magnetic force, in so far as the source whence it is derived is to be sought for in the earth itself. It may indeed be doubted, whether the seat of the proximate causes of the regular and irregular changes which are hourly taking place in this force, may not be regarded as