The method resorted to by the Author for obtaining a continuous voltaic current of equal intensity, is the same in principle as the one employed by Professor Daniell, and described by him in his paper recently presented to the Royal Society, and published in the Philosophical Transactions; namely, the interposition of a thin membrane between the two metals in the voltaic circuit, so as to allow of the separation of the different fluids applied respectively to each metal : the fluid in contact with the zinc being a mixture of diluted sulphuric and nitric acids ; and that in contact with the copper being a solution of sulphate of copper. The author reserves for a future paper the details of the results he has obtained, with regard to the relations between the intensity of effect, and the extent and disposition of the metallic surfaces : but states that he has obtained powerful electric action by bringing the membrane into contact with the zinc; the latter having no acid applied to it, and the only fluid employed being the solution of sulphate of copper.
Matter and Magneto-electric Action