Page:The fundamental laws of electrolytic conduction.djvu/15



the point of identity to be satisfactorily established, I next endeavored to obtain a common measure, or a known relation as to quantity, of the electricity excited by a machine, and that from a voltaic pile; for the purpose not only of confirming their identity, but also of demonstrating certain general principles and creating an extension of the means of investigating and applying the chemical powers of this wonderful and subtile agent.

The first point to be determined was, whether the same absolute quantity of ordinary electricity, sent through a galvanometer, under different circumstances, would cause the same deflection of the needle. An arbitrary scale was therefore attached to the galvanometer, each division of which was equal to about 4°, and the instrument arranged as in former experiments. The machine, battery, and other parts of the apparatus were brought into good order, and retained for the time as nearly as possible in the same condition. The experiments were alternated so as to indicate any change in the condition of the apparatus and supply the necessary corrections.

Seven of the battery jars were removed and eight retained for present use. It was found that about forty turns would