Under the full persuasion that all the forces of nature are mutually dependent, and often, if not always, convertible more or less into each other, the author endeavoured to connect gravity and magnetic or electric action together by experimental results, and though the conclusions were, when cleared from all error, of a negative nature, he still thinks that the principle followed and the experiments themselves deserve to be recorded. Considering that some condition of the results produced by gravity ought to present itself, having a relation to the dual or antithetical character of the magnetic or electric forces, it seemed to the author that the approximation of two gravitating bodies towards each other, and their separation, were the only points which offered this kind of coincidence; and therefore, using the earth as one gravitating body, he employed a cylinder of metal, glass, resins, or other substances, as the other, and endeavoured to ascertain when the latter was allowed to fall, being surrounded by a helix of wire, whether any electric current was generated. Sometimes the cylinder was allowed to fall through the helix; at other times with the helix; and occasionally the helix was made the falling body. But when the various sources of error which sprung up were gradually removed, no traces of electric action remained which could be referred to the power of gravity. In order to obtain a greater effect, an aparatus was employed (being nearly that, used in the 23rd Series of these Researches) by which the effect of raising a body from the earth could be combined with that of a falling body by the fit use of commutators (if any action at all were produced). The apparatus was very good, and gave exceedingly delicate results, as was shown by other consequences of its action; but in respect of gravity it produced no effect whatever. Notwithstanding his failure in obtaining any experimental relation between gravity and magnetic or electric force, the author still expresses his conviction that there is a relation, and his hopes that it may be hereafter practically demonstrated.
Experimental researches in electricity. Twenty-fourth series. On the possible relation of gravity to electricity
